India Advances in AHFA Junior Asia Cup After 7-3 Win Over South Korea

The Indian junior men’s hockey side moved a step closer to the semifinal stage of the AHFA Junior Asia Cup 2026 by defeating South Korea 7-3 on Tuesday. The first quarter saw a balance of power, with Anmol converting a penalty corner in the fifth minute, only for South Korea’s Do‑hyun Choi to level the score a minute later.

During the second quarter, Lavanur Singh’s field goal gave India a 2-1 lead, but Korea’s Hyoguk Yu responded quickly with a penalty‑corner goal, equalising at 2-2. Before the break, Ajit Yadav’s strike in the 20th minute restored a one‑goal margin, sending India into halftime with a 3-2 advantage.

The third quarter was marked by Korea’s relentless pressure; Yu scored his second penalty‑corner goal six minutes in, tying the match at 3-3. The final quarter turned decisively in India’s favor when Prabhdeep Singh found the net at the 42nd minute, making it 4-3. Within the next three minutes, Gurdev Singh, Anmol (again from a penalty corner), and Aryan Jess each scored, culminating in a 7-3 final score.

Captain Anmol Akka, the team’s drag‑flick specialist, notched his second goal of the game, bringing his tournament total to eight. The victory raised India’s points total to seven from three games and placed the side on the brink of a semifinal berth. India’s upcoming match against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday will determine if the team clinches a semifinal ticket.