India edged Pakistan 3-1 to win the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship

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 in the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.

Goals from Romita Pal (5′), captain Ketan Kushwaha (12′) and Shahrukh Ali (13′) helped India clinch the title, while Muhammad Usman (16′) scored Pakistan’s only goal. The win also meant that India finished top of the Elite Pool standings.

India started the summit clash brilliantly, controlling possession with quick passing and disciplined positioning. Early pressure paid off in the fifth minute when Romit Pal broke the deadlock to give India a deserved lead.

Pakistan found it difficult to break through India’s organized defense in the first half as the Indian side took a 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 give India a 3-0 lead and leave Pakistan with a mountain to climb.

Muhammad Usman did bring down in the 16th minute, but India stayed compact at the back and comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to win 3-1 and lift the continental title.

Finalists India and Pakistan also qualified for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup by reaching the gold medal match.

India also returned with a medal in the women’s event. The women’s sub-junior team settled for silver after a hard-fought defeat to China in the final, ensuring both Indian teams finished the tournament on the podium.

After the campaign, Hockey India announced prize money for both teams.

Each player of the gold medal-winning men’s team will receive Rs 2 million, while each member of the support staff will receive Rs 1 million. Each player of the silver medal winning women’s team will receive Rs 100,000 and the support staff members will receive Rs 50,000 each.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey congratulated the players and said the performances of both the teams reflected the progress made in the country’s age-group programme.

“Our junior men’s and women’s teams have done 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 of the players, coaches and support staff. These results underscore the depth of talent in Indian hockey and we are confident that these youngsters will continue to thrive.”

Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh said the performances are encouraging for the future of Indian hockey.

“Both teams showed discipline, skill and determination throughout the tournament. Their performances are a reward for the efforts they have put in over the years. We are delighted to recognize their achievements and hope this success inspires other young players to take up the sport.”

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

26 Jul 2026 10:35 IST