Kuantan, Malaysia, 22nd November 2015: Matching its meticulous planning and methodical approach, India colts won the 8th Junior Asia Cup majestically, thumping Pakistan down to 6-2 at Kuantan.
PC ace Harmanpreet struck four goals while Arman Qureshi and Manpreet Singh added a piece in getting India its third Junior Asia Cup title.
Dominating the entire proceedings, India struck goals regular intervals.
Harmanpreet Singh, who converted India’s first penalty corner, gave India an early advantage of 1-0. He punched another within 15 minutes of the game.
Pakistan fought back in the 28th minute with a successful penalty corner from Yaqoob Muhammad. Soon after in the 30th minute Harmanpreet Singh scored from another penalty corner to complete his hat-trick taking his goal tally to 14 goals in tournament.
The first half ended with India leading 3-1.
In the second half, Armaan Qureshi struck in the 44th minute.
Manpreet Singh Jr. scored the 5th goal for India followed by another penalty corner goal by Harmanpreet Singh making the score 6-1.
Pakistan scored a consolation goal in the 68th minute through Dilber Muhammad.
Harendra Singh, Coach, Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team said, “It was an exciting final and the boys displayed immaculate passion and calmness on the field. We ended up as runners up in the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup which made it an even bigger win as we were hungry for the podium position. The support was immense and we felt we were playing in our own backyard. We only have to look forward from here and keep giving such excellent performances.”
Harmanpreet Singh became the highest scorer with his four goals in the match taking his tournament tally to 14.
Special Awards
Player of the tournament: Shahril Saabah Malaysia
Top goal Scorer: Harmanpreet Singh Goals: 14 India
Man of the match: Harjeet Singh India
Best goalkeeper : Vikas Dahiya India