'Proud Of Our Hockey Champions': PM Narendra Modi Lauds Indian Junior Hockey Team After Winning Asia Cup Title

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded the Indian hockey team for winning the men's junior Asia Cup, saying their unmatched skill, unwavering grit and incredible teamwork have etched this victory into the annals of sporting glory.

He said on X, "Proud of our hockey champions! It's a historic moment for Indian hockey as our Men's Junior Team wins the Junior Asia Cup 2024 title.Their unmatched skill, unwavering grit and incredible teamwork have etched this win into the annals of sporting glory."

Araijeet Singh Hundal slammed four goals as defending champions India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in the summit clash to win a hat-trick of titles in the men's junior Asia Cup in Muscat on Wednesday. On the other hand, Pakistan's Captain Shahid Hannan (3') and Sufyan Khan (30', 39') tried their utmost to keep their team in the final for the majority of the game.

Araijeet created two chances in quick succession as the third quarter began but Pakistan's goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua pulled out amazing saves on both occasions to keep Pakistan in the match. Both teams went back and forth until Sufyan Khan, with six minutes left in the quarter, flicked the ball into the Indian goal from a penalty corner and ensured Pakistan headed into the last quarter, level on score.

India has now lifted the trophy in this tournament a record five times, including their previous triumphs in 2023, 2015, 2008 and 2004. While India were settling into the game, Pakistan's Captain Shahid Hannan pounced on a stray ball in the shooting circle and beat Bikramjeet Singh in a one-on-one to steal a goal for Pakistan. The tournament was not held in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.