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

Exciting Encounter in Moqi

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

India Takes Early Lead

Following a dominant 14-0 win over Indonesia in their opening match, India started strong against Japan, taking the lead just four minutes into the game. Captain Anmol Ekka successfully converted a penalty stroke awarded after a foul, putting India ahead 1-0.

India maintained their momentum, doubling their lead in the 10th minute. After winning a penalty corner, Ashu Maurya scored, extending the lead to 2-0. However, 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 slim advantage.

Tight Contest Continues

The second quarter saw both teams intensifying their efforts, with India aiming to increase their lead while Japan sought an equalizer. The defenses held strong, and neither team could find the back of the net, allowing India to maintain their 2-1 lead at halftime.

Dramatic Final Quarter

As the final quarter commenced, Japan ramped up their attack in search of 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. Although India defended well initially, they struggled to clear the ball, leading to another penalty corner for Japan, which went wide.

With just 1:22 left, Japan secured yet another penalty corner, and Nakanishi scored again in the 59th minute, putting Japan ahead 3-2. In a desperate bid for an equalizer, India removed their goalkeeper. Their efforts paid off when they earned a penalty corner with 59 seconds remaining. Captain Anmol Ekka stepped up once more, converting the chance to equalize at 3-3. India held on in the final moments to secure a hard-fought point.

Next Match

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.