At the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, India’s junior hockey teams delivered emphatic performances. The men’s side edged South Korea 7‑3, moving closer to a semi‑final berth, while the women’s squad thrashed Japan 7‑0 to secure a quarter‑final spot.
India’s men strengthened their position atop Pool A with a 7‑3 win over South Korea on Tuesday. The victory moved India to seven points from three matches, keeping them within reach of a semi‑final berth. South Korea, with six points, now face a tough final fixture against Japan, who hold four points. The match was closely contested in the first three quarters, with goals traded between the sides. Captain Anmol Ekka opened the scoring in the fifth minute, but Korea equalised through Dohyeon Choi. Lovenoor Singh restored India’s lead in the second quarter, only for Hyoguk Yoo to level again. Ajeet Yadav gave India a 3‑2 advantage before halftime. Korea drew level at 3‑3 in the third quarter, but Prabhdeep Singh’s 42nd‑minute goal gave India a 4‑3 edge heading into the final quarter. India then unleashed a three‑goal burst in the last 15 minutes, with Gursewak Singh, Anmol Ekka and Aryan Xess scoring in quick succession to finish 7‑3.
India’s women continued their flawless run with a 7‑0 victory over Japan in their third Elite Pool match on Tuesday, securing a quarter‑final spot and a perfect record of nine points from three games. They will face China next in a clash to decide the top spot, with China on six points from two matches. The score opened with Krishna Sharma’s opener in the fifth minute, followed by a penalty stroke from Supriya in the ninth. Purnima Yadav added a field goal in the 14th minute, giving India a 3‑0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Japan failed to break India’s defence in the second quarter, and the score remained 3‑0 at halftime. India shifted gears in the third quarter, scoring three goals in five minutes: Geeta Yadav’s brace in the 41st and 45th minutes and a second goal from Purnima. Sanika Chandrakant Mane added the final goal in the 50th minute, completing the rout.
India now face Chinese Taipei in their final pool match on Wednesday, where a win would confirm their semi‑final place. The women’s team will meet China next, a decisive encounter for the top spot in the Elite Pool.
