Indian Junior Hockey Team Fights Back to Draw with Japan in Thrilling Match

In an exhilarating match at the 2026 Men's Junior Asia Cup, the Indian junior hockey team showcased their fighting spirit, drawing 3-3 against Japan. After taking an early lead, India faced a tough challenge as Japan fought back to equalize and then take the lead. However, with determination, India managed to level the score in the final moments. This thrilling encounter sets the stage for their upcoming match against Korea. Discover the highlights of this intense game and what lies ahead for the Indian team.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 00:10 IST

Intense Encounter in Moqi

The Indian junior hockey squad displayed remarkable resilience, managing to secure a 3-3 draw against Japan during their second Pool A match at the 2026 Men’s Junior Asia Cup held in Moqi, China, on Sunday.

Following a commanding 14-0 win over Indonesia in their opening match, India started confidently against Japan, taking the lead early in the fourth minute. After a foul led to a penalty stroke, Captain Anmol Ekka successfully converted it, putting India ahead 1-0.

India maintained the pressure and extended their lead in the 10th minute. After being awarded a penalty corner, Ashu Maurya scored, increasing the lead to 2-0.

Japan quickly responded, earning a penalty corner in the 11th minute, which Ryushin Sasaki converted to narrow the gap to 2-1.

The first quarter ended with India holding a one-goal advantage as both teams fought hard for control in the second quarter. India aimed to increase their lead while Japan sought an equalizer, but neither side could break through, and India went into halftime leading 2-1.

The third quarter mirrored the previous one, with both teams battling for dominance. Japan created several chances and earned a penalty corner but failed to convert, while India’s defense held strong.

As the final quarter began, Japan intensified their efforts for an equalizer. They earned a penalty corner, and after a re-award, Captain Kazuki Nakanishi scored in the 48th minute, leveling the match at 2-2.

Japan continued to press, earning another penalty corner in the last five minutes. India defended well initially but struggled to clear the ball, leading to another penalty corner for Japan, which went wide.

With just 1:22 left, Japan earned yet another penalty corner, and Nakanishi found the net again in the 59th minute, putting Japan ahead 3-2.

In a desperate attempt to equalize, India removed their goalkeeper. Their efforts paid off when they earned a penalty corner with only 59 seconds remaining. Captain Anmol Ekka stepped up once more, converting the chance to tie the game at 3-3.

India held on in the final moments to secure a hard-fought point in a thrilling match against Japan.

The Indian junior men's team is set to face Korea on September 8 in their next Pool A match of the 2026 Men’s Junior Asia Cup.