Bikramjeet singh

Junior Asia Cup: Araijeet Singh Hundal was the star performer with four goals as the Indian junior men's hockey team defeated archrivals Pakistan 5-3 in a high-scoring final of the Men's Junior Asia Cup to successfully defend their title, bagging a record fifth crown in the history of the competition here on Wednesday.

Araijeet Singh Hundal was in top form and scored in the 4th, 18th, 47th and 54th minutes for India and Dilraj Singh (19’) contributed a goal to join him on the scoresheet. Captain Shahid Hannan (3’) and Sufyan Khan (30’, 39’) did their utmost to keep Pakistan in the tie for the majority of the game but their efforts eventually proved futile.

India has now won this tournament for a record five times, including their previous triumphs in 2023, 2015, 2008 and 2004. Hockey India, on this occasion, announced a cash reward of 2 lakh to each player and 1 lakh to each support staff for their impeccable title defence and dominating performances in the Men's Junior Asia Cup.