Mokqi, 11 September (H.S.):

Defending champions India produced a commanding performance to defeat Malaysia 3-1 and secure a place in the final of the AHF Junior Men’s Asia Cup 2026. India are now just one victory away from winning the title for the fourth consecutive time.

Captain and drag-flick specialist Anmol Ekka played a crucial role in India’s victory, scoring two goals from penalty corners and taking his tournament tally to 16. Anmol is currently the leading scorer of the competition.

Goalkeeper Vivek Lakra was another key figure in India’s victory and was named Player of the Match. He made several outstanding saves, including a superb stop of Malaysia’s penalty stroke in the 53rd minute to preserve India’s advantage.

India adopted an attacking approach from the opening whistle. Ajit Yadav created two scoring opportunities within the first two minutes. India earned three penalty corners in the opening quarter, but Malaysian goalkeeper Amsyar Mohamad Adib made excellent saves to keep his side out of danger. The first quarter ended goalless.

India finally broke the deadlock with their fourth penalty corner in the 16th minute. Captain Anmol Ekka unleashed a powerful, low drag flick that found the back of the net, giving India a 1-0 lead.

Malaysia attempted to fight back, but Vivek Lakra and the Indian defensive unit repeatedly thwarted their attacks. Lakra produced a brilliant double save in the third quarter. India also had to play with 10 players on two occasions during the match, but Malaysia was unable to capitalise on the numerical advantage.

India strengthened their lead in the fourth quarter. In the 51st minute, Sukhwinder finished off a fine move to make it 2-0. Two minutes later, Lakra denied Malaysia a penalty stroke, preventing the Malaysian side from mounting a comeback.

India earned another penalty corner in the 54th minute. Malaysia opted for a video referral, but lost the referral and the penalty corner stood. Anmol once again produced a superb drag flick to extend India’s lead to 3-0.

Malaysia earned a series of penalty corners in the closing stages, but Lakra and the Indian defence stood firm. In the 58th minute, Lakra made another spectacular diving save to keep the ball out. However, with just 24 seconds remaining, Malaysia earned its eighth penalty corner, from which M. Rahul scored to reduce the deficit to 1-3.

India remained composed thereafter, avoided any further mistakes and secured their place in the final.

India, who are aiming to become champions for the fourth consecutive time, will face the winner of the second semi-final between Pakistan and South Korea in the title clash. India have won the AHF Junior Asia Cup six times so far.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar