Hundal’s heroics lead India to third hockey asia cup victory over pakistan

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Arijit Singh Hundal’s sensational four-goal performance propelled defending champions India to a dramatic 5-3 victory over their arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Muscat on Wednesday. This stunning triumph secured India’s third consecutive title and marked their fifth overall in the tournament’s history, with previous wins in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023. The 2021 tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Hundal’s explosive performance made up for lost time. He converted three penalty corners in the 4th, 18th, and 54th minutes and added a brilliant field goal in the 47th minute. Dilraj Singh also found the net for India with a crucial strike in the 19th minute. For Pakistan, Sufian Khan was the standout performer, converting two penalty corners in the 30th and 39th minutes, while Hanan Shahid opened the scoring for Pakistan with a field goal in the 3rd minute.Earlier, Japan clinched third place with a 2-1 win over Malaysia, rounding off a thrilling tournament.