India Dominates South Korea 7-3 in AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026
India's Impressive Victory
Photo: @ians_india/X
Moqi, Sep 9: India secured a commanding 7-3 victory over South Korea on Tuesday, reinforcing their lead in Pool A of the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026.
This win elevated India's points to seven from three matches, consisting of two victories and one draw, bringing them closer to a semi-final spot. In contrast, South Korea remained at six points and faces a challenging final Pool A match against Japan, who are currently at four points and will play Indonesia later today.
India's next challenge is against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, where a win will guarantee their advancement to the semi-finals.
The match was tightly contested for most of its duration, with South Korea matching India goal for goal. However, the defending champions intensified their play in the latter part of the third quarter, culminating in a crucial three-goal surge in the final quarter.
Leading the scoring for India was captain Anmol Ekka, who netted two goals, bringing his tournament total to eight.
The opening three quarters were fiercely competitive, with both teams unwilling to yield. India started strong, taking the lead in the fifth minute when Anmol converted a penalty corner.
South Korea quickly equalized, with Dohyeon Choi scoring from a penalty corner just a minute later, making it 1-1.
The second quarter mirrored this back-and-forth dynamic. Lovenoor Singh restored India's lead with a field goal in the 18th minute, but South Korea responded swiftly, with Hyoguk Yoo scoring from a penalty corner within a minute to level the score at 2-2.
India managed to regain the lead before halftime, with Ajeet Yadav scoring in the 20th minute to give India a 3-2 advantage at the break.
After the restart, South Korea continued to challenge the Indian defense. Yoo scored again just six minutes into the third quarter, leveling the match at 3-3.
As the match approached the final quarter, India responded decisively. Prabhdeep Singh scored late in the third quarter, putting India ahead 4-3 in the 42nd minute and shifting the momentum in their favor.
Both teams exchanged attacks early in the fourth quarter, but India broke the game open with an impressive three-goal flurry in just three minutes.
Gursewak Singh extended the lead in the 55th minute, followed by Anmol scoring again from a penalty corner just a minute later, making it 6-3. Aryan Xess capped off the scoring in the 58th minute, sealing the match at 7-3.