Mokii, China, September 8 (H.S.): The Indian junior men’s hockey team continued its impressive run at the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, defeating South Korea 7-3 on Tuesday. With the victory, defending champions India remain at the top of Pool A with seven points and have moved to within touching distance of a semifinal berth.

India have collected seven points from three matches, with two wins and one draw. Against South Korea, the Indian team faced a stern challenge during the opening three quarters but took control towards the end of the third quarter before scoring three goals in the final quarter to completely swing the match in its favour.

Indian captain and star drag-flicker Anmol Ekka was once again the team’s most influential player. He scored twice, taking his tournament tally to eight goals.

India opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Anmol converted a penalty corner. South Korea responded in the very next minute, with Dohyeon Choi scoring from a penalty corner to make it 1-1.

In the second quarter, Lowenur Singh restored India’s lead with a field goal in the 18th minute, but Hyoguk Yoo converted a penalty corner a minute later to bring South Korea level at 2-2. India, however, regained the advantage before half-time, with Ajit Yadav scoring in the 20th minute to put India 3-2 ahead.

South Korea continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, and Hyoguk Yoo scored his second goal in the 36th minute to make it 3-3. India then regained the lead in the 42nd minute through Prabhdeep Singh, ending the third quarter with a 4-3 advantage.

Both teams launched a series of attacks early in the final quarter, but India completely turned the match in its favour by scoring three goals between the 55th and 58th minutes. Gursewak Singh struck in the 55th minute to extend India’s lead to 5-3. A minute later, Anmol Ekka converted a penalty corner to make it 6-3. Aryan Access then scored India’s seventh goal in the 58th minute to seal a comprehensive 7-3 victory.

Following the defeat, South Korea have six points. Their final Pool A match will be against Japan. Japan, with four points, remain in contention for a semifinal place and will face Indonesia on Tuesday.

India will take on Chinese Taipei in their final pool-stage match on Wednesday. The Indian team will now look to seal its place in the semifinals with another victory.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar