<p><strong>Moqi, China:</strong> India beat Korea 4-1 in Sunday's final to win the Men's Junior Asia Cup hockey title for a record sixth time, successfully defending the crown they claimed in 2024.</p> <p>The win adds to India's tally of titles from 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023 and 2024, and confirms their place as the most successful side in the tournament's history. It also secures India's qualification for the FIH Men's Junior World Cup.</p> <h3>Yadav and Ekka give India an early cushion</h3> <p>India started the final on the front foot, winning their first penalty corner just over seven minutes into the opening quarter. Korea cleared that one, but the pressure told soon after: Ajeet Yadav turned in a deflection in the 9th minute to put India 1-0 up.</p> <p>Captain Anmol Ekka doubled the lead in the 13th minute, converting from another penalty corner with just over two minutes left in the quarter. Korea won a corner of their own before the break, but India's defence held, and the sides went into the second quarter with India 2-0 ahead.</p> <h3>Prabhdeep makes it three before half-time</h3> <p>India kept control through the second quarter and added a third goal in the 21st minute, Prabhdeep Singh finishing well to make it 3-0. Korea searched for a way back into the game, but India's defensive unit stayed disciplined, and the score remained 3-0 at half-time.</p> <p>Korea defended stoutly through the third quarter. India had a penalty corner attempt come back off the crossbar with under seven minutes left in the period, and could not add to their lead before the final quarter.</p> <h3>Maurya extends the lead as Korea hit back late</h3> <p>India carried their attacking intent into the fourth quarter and won a penalty corner that Korea initially kept out with a string of saves. India were awarded the corner again after a review, with Korea's referral turned down, and made the most of the second chance: Ashu Maurya found the net in the 50th minute to put India 4-0 up.</p> <p>Korea got one back through a penalty stroke, converted by captain Lee Minhyeok in the 54th minute. They pushed for another in the final minute, winning a late penalty corner, but the flick came back off the post and the follow-up deflection went wide, and India held on for a 4-1 win.</p> <h3>Record title brings World Cup spot and prize money</h3> <p>The result gave India a record sixth Men's Junior Asia Cup title and a confirmed place at the FIH Men's Junior World Cup.</p> <p>Hockey India announced prize money of Rs 3 lakh for each player in the squad and Rs 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff in recognition of the campaign.</p>
