Men’s Junior Asia Cup Hockey: Defending Champions India Storm Into Final

Defending champions India stormed into the final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup Hockey tournament with a convincing 3-1 victory over Malaysia in the semifinal on Friday. Captain Anmol Ekka once again led from the front, scoring twice, while goalkeeper Vivek Lakra played a crucial role with a series of important saves. India started aggressively and came close to scoring in the 12th minute before Anmol converted a penalty corner in the 16th minute to give his side the lead. Malaysia earned a penalty corner soon after, but Lakra denied them with a superb diving save. India were reduced to 10 players in the third quarter after Prabhdeep Singh received a yellow card, but they defended their advantage effectively.

India strengthened their position in the final quarter when Sukhwinder Singh scored in the 51st minute. Malaysia were awarded a penalty stroke two minutes later, but Lakra once again stood firm to deny the opposition. Anmol then converted another penalty corner in the 54th minute to make it 3-0 and put India firmly in control. Malaysia finally opened their account through Rahul in the 60th minute, just 24 seconds before the final hooter, but India held on comfortably to secure their place in the title clash. India will face the winner of the semifinal between Korea and Pakistan in the final.