India humble Pakistan to emerge champs

Harmanpreet Singh struck four goals as India’s colts defeated Pakistan 6-2 to lift the 8th junior men’s Asia Cup title at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan, Malaysia on Sunday.

Other goal scorers for India were Armaan Qureshi and Manpreet jr while Pakistan reduced the margin through Yaqoob Muhammad and Dilber Muhammad.

India started the game on a positive note, pressing hard since the opening minute of the first half and was soon awarded with a penalty corner. Harmanpreet converted the penalty to give India an early 1-0 advantage.

India were again awarded with back to back penalty corners in the 13th and 14th minute and Harmanpreet converted one to take India 2-0 up.

Pakistan fought back and managed to open their score through Yaqoob in the 28th minute. Soon after Harmanpreet (30th) cameback to complete his hat-trick converting another penalty corner.

Leading 3-1 in the first half, the Indians continued their domination in the second session as well. Qureshi took India’s tally to 4-1 in the 44th minute before Manpreet made it 5-1. Harmanpreet sealed the issue for India adding another goal to the tally. He thus took his tournament tally to 15 goals in the tournament.

Pakistan scored a consolation goal through Dilber (68th minute ).

Said India coach Harendra Singh, “It was an exciting final and the boys displayed immaculate passion and calmness on the field.

“We ended up as runners up in the 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.”