India Stage Dramatic Late Fightback to Draw 3-3 Against Japan in Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2026

India’s fighting spirit was on full display as the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Japan in their second Pool A encounter at the 2026 Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Moqi, China, on Sunday.

After beginning their campaign with a dominant 14-0 victory over Indonesia, India appeared on course for another win when they established a two-goal lead against Japan. However, Japan fought back strongly in the second half and scored twice in the final 12 minutes to move ahead 3-2.

With defeat seemingly moments away, India produced a remarkable late response. Captain Anmol Ekka converted a penalty corner with just 59 seconds remaining to rescue a point for the young Indian side.

The result leaves India unbeaten after their opening two Pool A matches, although they will know there is plenty to improve upon ahead of their next encounter against Korea.

India started the contest with confidence following their emphatic opening victory over Indonesia. Their early pressure was rewarded in the fourth minute when India were awarded a penalty stroke following a foul. Captain Anmol Ekka took responsibility and made no mistake, calmly converting the opportunity to give India an early 1-0 lead.

India continued to dictate the momentum and doubled their advantage in the 10th minute.

A penalty corner presented India with another opportunity, and Ashu Maurya made the most of it by finding the back of the net. His successful conversion put India 2-0 ahead and appeared to put the team firmly in control.

Japan, however, responded almost immediately. Just a minute after conceding India's second goal, Japan earned a penalty corner. Ryushin Sasaki stepped up and converted, cutting India's advantage to 2-1 in the 11th minute.

The Japanese response ensured that India could not settle into a comfortable rhythm, but the Indian defence held firm for the remainder of the opening quarter.

India hold narrow advantage at half-time

The second quarter turned into a closely contested battle. India continued to look for opportunities to restore their two-goal advantage, while Japan became increasingly determined to find an equaliser. Both teams created pressure, but neither defence allowed the opposition to find the decisive opening.

India therefore entered the half-time interval with their 2-1 advantage intact.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern.

Japan continued to push forward and earned a penalty corner, but India successfully dealt with the opportunity. The Indian defence remained organised and managed to protect its slender lead as the contest entered the final 15 minutes.

However, Japan's persistence eventually began to pay dividends.

The final quarter brought a dramatic change in momentum. Japan increased the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty corner. Following a re-awarded penalty corner, captain Kazuki Nakanishi stepped up in the 48th minute and produced a successful flick to level the contest at 2-2.

With the scores level, Japan continued to push for the lead.

In the closing stages, they earned another penalty corner. India defended the initial attempt effectively, but could not clear the ball completely, allowing Japan another opportunity. This time, the Japanese flick went wide.

India appeared to have survived another major scare, but Japan refused to relent. With only 1:22 remaining, Japan won yet another penalty corner. Nakanishi once again took responsibility and this time found the target with his flick in the 59th minute.

Japan had completed the turnaround and suddenly led 3-2.

India now had almost no time to respond. With defeat staring them in the face, the Indian team removed their goalkeeper as they desperately searched for an equaliser. Their attacking gamble immediately increased the pressure on Japan.

India's persistence was rewarded when they won a penalty corner with just 59 seconds remaining. Once again, captain Anmol Ekka stood over the opportunity.

Having already converted India's opening penalty stroke, Ekka delivered when his team needed him most. His penalty-corner conversion brought India level at 3-3, sparking huge celebrations among the Indian players. Japan had one final opportunity to regain control, but India held firm during the closing seconds to secure a valuable point.

The 3-3 draw represents a significant display of character from India. Having surrendered a two-goal advantage and fallen behind 3-2 with barely more than a minute remaining, the young Indian team could easily have allowed the match to slip away. Instead, they continued to attack and found the decisive equaliser through their captain.

Anmol Ekka was particularly influential, scoring twice once from the penalty stroke in the opening quarter and again from a late penalty corner.

India now turn their attention towards their third Pool A encounter against Korea on September 8.

After a 14-0 win over Indonesia and a dramatic 3-3 draw against Japan, India remain unbeaten in the tournament. However, the Japan encounter will serve as a reminder that the Men’s Junior Asia Cup will demand concentration for the full 60 minutes.

For now, the Young Tigers can take confidence from one thing above all: when their backs were against the wall, they found a way back.