India outclass Pakistan 3-1 to claim FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian title

India's sub-junior men's team produced a disciplined performance to beat arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 in the final and win the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship on Saturday. The victory capped an unbeaten campaign for India, who also finished on top of the Elite Pool standings.India outclass Pakistan 3-1 to win FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship (@Hockey India)India's sub-junior men's team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 in the final to win the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship on Saturday, completing an unbeaten campaign and securing a place at the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.Goals from Romit Pal (5'), captain Ketan Kushwaha (12') and Shahrukh Ali (13') helped India clinch the title, while Muhammad Usman (16') scored Pakistan's lone goal. The victory also saw India finish on top of the Elite Pool standings.India made a bright start to the summit clash, controlling possession with quick passing and disciplined positioning. The early pressure paid off in the fifth minute when Romit Pal broke the deadlock, giving India a deserved lead.Pakistan found it difficult to break through India's organised defence in the first half as the Indian side carried its one-goal advantage into the break. India took firm control of the contest early in the second half. Captain Ketan Kushwaha doubled the lead in the 12th minute before Shahrukh Ali struck a minute later to put India 3-0 ahead and leave Pakistan with a mountain to climb.Muhammad Usman reduced the deficit in the 16th minute, but India remained compact at the back and comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to complete a 3-1 victory and lift the continental title. The finalists, India and Pakistan, also qualified for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup by virtue of reaching the gold medal match.India also returned with a medal in the women's competition. The sub-junior women's team settled for silver after a hard-fought defeat to China in the final, ensuring both Indian teams finished the tournament on the podium.Following the campaign, Hockey India announced cash rewards for both squads.Each player of the gold medal-winning men's team will receive Rs 2 lakh, while every member of the support staff will be awarded Rs 1 lakh. Each player of the silver medal-winning women's team will receive Rs 1 lakh, with members of the support staff receiving Rs 50,000 each.Congratulating the players, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the performances of both teams reflected the progress being made in the country's age-group programme."Our sub-junior men's and women's teams have made the nation proud with their outstanding performances at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship. The men's victory over Pakistan in the final and the women's silver medal are a reflection of the hard work put in by the players, coaches and support staff. These results underline the depth of talent in Indian hockey, and we are confident these youngsters will continue to make the country proud."Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said the performances were encouraging for the future of Indian hockey."Both teams showed discipline, skill and determination throughout the tournament. Their performances are a reward for the effort they have put in over the years. We are pleased to recognise their achievements and hope this success inspires more young players to take up the sport."- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Jul 26, 2026 10:35 IST