The Indian Sub-Junior Men's Hockey Team produced a clinical performance to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 in the gold medal match of the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 in Muscat, Oman. Goals from Romit Pal (5'), captain Ketan Kushwaha (12'), and Shahrukh Ali (13') crowned India as the Asian Champions, completing a dominant, unbeaten campaign. According to a press release from Hockey India, the team had also finished at the top of the Elite Pool table.
Match Summary
The summit clash saw India take early control with sharp passing and disciplined structure. Romit Pal broke the deadlock in the fifth minute, striking past the Pakistani goalkeeper to give India a 1-0 lead at half-time. India extended their dominance early in the second half as captain Ketan Kushwaha found the back of the net in the 12th minute, followed immediately by a strike from Shahrukh Ali in the 13th minute to make it 3-0. Pakistan pulled one goal back through Muhammad Usman in the 16th minute, but the Indian defence stood firm in the closing minutes to secure a 3-1 victory and lift the trophy.
Road to Gold
India's journey to the final was marked by consistent performances throughout the tournament. The Sub-Junior Men's team remained unbeaten, showcasing their depth and tactical prowess. The victory not only brought glory but also secured qualification for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, as both finalists India and Pakistan earned their spots.
Women's Team Also Shines
In the women's competition, the Indian Sub-Junior Women's Team bagged the silver medal after a hard-fought contest in their final against China. The women's team also displayed commendable skill and determination, ensuring that both Indian contingents return home with medals from the championship.
Hockey India Announces Cash Rewards
Celebrating the stellar performances of both squads, Hockey India announced cash rewards for the teams. Each player of the gold medal-winning Indian Men's Team will be rewarded with Rs 2 lakhs, while each member of the support staff will receive Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, each player of the silver medal-winning Indian Women's Team will receive Rs 1 lakh, with Rs 50,000 awarded to each member of their support staff. This gesture underscores Hockey India's commitment to nurturing young talent and rewarding excellence at the grassroots level.
Impact and Future Prospects
The triumph at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship marks a significant milestone for Indian hockey, highlighting the country's growing prowess in the youth categories. With qualification for the Youth Hockey5s World Cup secured, the young Indian players will have an opportunity to compete on the global stage and further develop their skills. The success of both the men's and women's teams bodes well for the future of Indian hockey, promising a pipeline of talented athletes ready to represent the nation at higher levels.
