India Crowned Champions for Record Sixth Time at Men’s Junior Asia Cup After 4-1 Win Over Korea

India were crowned champions of the 2026 Men’s Junior Asia Cup after producing a commanding 4-1 victory over Korea in the Gold Medal match in Moqi, China, on Sunday. 

The triumph saw the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team successfully defend their continental crown and become the first side to win the tournament six times.

Entering the competition as five-time champions and defending title holders, India once again underlined their dominance in junior men’s hockey. Their previous Men’s Junior Asia Cup titles came in 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023 and 2024. The latest victory has further strengthened India’s status as the most successful team in the history of the continental championship.

India started the final with attacking intent and immediately looked to put Korea under pressure. Their persistence earned them the first penalty corner with just over seven minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Although Korea managed to clear the initial opportunity, India continued to attack and soon won another penalty corner. This time, the defending champions made the pressure count.

Ajeet Yadav found the back of the net in the ninth minute after a deflection, giving India a 1-0 lead and setting the tone for the final. India remained on the front foot and continued to threaten the Korean defence. With just over two minutes left in the opening quarter, they earned another penalty corner. Captain Anmol Ekka took responsibility and converted in the 13th minute to double India's advantage.

Korea had a chance to respond after earning a penalty corner late in the first quarter, but India's defence remained composed. The Indian side therefore finished the opening 15 minutes with a valuable 2-0 advantage.

India continued to control the contest in the second quarter, combining sustained pressure with disciplined defensive work. Their efforts were rewarded in the 21st minute when Prabhdeep Singh produced a superb finish to make it 3-0. The third goal gave India a significant cushion and put Korea under enormous pressure. The Korean side attempted to find a route back into the contest, but India remained compact without the ball and dealt effectively with the Korean attacks. With their three-goal advantage intact, India went into half-time in a commanding position.

The third quarter proved to be the most tightly contested period of the final. India continued to dictate the tempo and created opportunities, including a penalty corner with just under seven minutes remaining. However, the attempt struck the crossbar, denying India a fourth goal. Korea defended with greater resilience as the quarter progressed, preventing the defending champions from extending their advantage. Despite being unable to add to their score, India retained control of the match heading into the final 15 minutes.

Ashu Maurya Seals India’s Sixth Title

India began the final quarter with the same attacking approach and quickly earned another penalty corner. Korea initially managed to withstand a barrage of Indian attempts, but the pressure eventually resulted in another opportunity following a referral. The penalty corner was re-awarded after the referral, while Korea's attempt to challenge the decision was unsuccessful.

India took full advantage. Ashu Maurya converted in the 50th minute to make it 4-0 and effectively put the result beyond doubt. Korea eventually found a breakthrough when they were awarded a penalty stroke following a foul. Captain Lee Minhyeok stepped up and converted from the spot in the 54th minute, reducing the deficit to 4-1. The Korean side continued to search for another goal and earned a penalty corner in the final minute. Their flick struck the post before the deflection went wide, allowing India to survive the final scare and complete a comprehensive victory.

The final whistle confirmed India's sixth Men’s Junior Asia Cup title and completed a successful defence of their continental crown. The victory also secured India's qualification for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, adding another significant achievement to their campaign in Moqi. The Indian junior side demonstrated attacking quality, defensive discipline and composure throughout the final before finishing their title defence in emphatic fashion.

The achievement was also recognised by Hockey India, which announced a cash reward of ₹3 lakh for each player and ₹1.5 lakh for every member of the support staff. For Indian junior hockey, the triumph represents another landmark moment. With six continental titles now in their trophy cabinet, India have further extended their lead as the most successful team in Men’s Junior Asia Cup history.

The 4-1 victory over Korea was not merely a successful title defence; it was a statement of consistency and strength from a generation of Indian players now set to carry their momentum onto the world stage.