First Asia Cup for juniors was held in Karachi in 1987, which the hosts won winning all the matches. India finished second. Punjap’s Jagdev Singh was the captain while Joginder Singh was the coach

Second Junior Asia Cup was held in Malaysia in 1992. India finished fourth, and thus failed to qualify for the Junior World Cup. Mysore’s M. Rajagopal was the coach.

Four years later Singapore hosted the third edition in which India and Pakistan again played the final. India lost the tie on tie-breaker but made it to the 1997 Junior World Cup.

CR Kumar trained Indian team played the fourth Junior Asia Cup in 2000 in Kuala Lumpur, which Bimal Lakra led. India finished second behind Korea. Saju Joseph and Brient Edward were other coaches with the team while DS Murthy was the manager.

Fifth time entry was the boon time for India, and it incidentally came where it lost the final to Pakistan 17 years ago. Meeting the hosts in Karachi, always a hockey centre, India outplayed pakistan for a memorable 5-2 victory. Sandeep Michael led the proud side, while Harendera Singh, Clarence Lobo and Saju Joseph formed the coaching team.