India's junior men's hockey team produced a strong late surge to defeat South Korea 7-3 in their Pool A match at the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 in Moqi, China, on Tuesday.
The defending champions were tested for most of the contest, with South Korea repeatedly matching India's goals. The match was level at 3-3 during the third quarter before India took control with a decisive attacking burst in the closing stages.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: India secured a crucial 7-3 victory over South Korea.
Location: Moqi, China.
Authority/Organisation: Hockey India / Asian Hockey Federation Junior Asia Cup.
Action Taken: India overcame a 3-3 contest with a decisive three-goal burst in the final quarter.
Impact: The defending champions moved closer to securing a place in the semi-finals.
Captain Anmol Ekka once again led India's scoring effort, finding the net twice. His brace took his tournament tally to eight goals.
India's victory moved them to seven points from three matches, with two wins and a draw, keeping them firmly in contention for the semi-finals.
India opened the scoring through Anmol in the fifth minute after converting a penalty corner. South Korea responded almost immediately through Dohyeon Choi to make it 1-1.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The victory keeps India's title defence firmly on track. More importantly, the team showed its ability to respond after South Korea repeatedly levelled the contest. Anmol Ekka's continued scoring form also gives India a major attacking threat heading into the knockout stages.
Lovenoor Singh restored India's lead in the 18th minute, but Hyoguk Yoo equalised for South Korea shortly afterwards. Ajeet Yadav then put India ahead again in the 20th minute, giving the defending champions a 3-2 lead at half-time.
South Korea continued to challenge India after the break, with Yoo scoring his second goal to bring the match level at 3-3.
India responded through Prabhdeep Singh in the 42nd minute, restoring their advantage at 4-3.
The decisive moment came in the final quarter. Gursewak Singh extended India's lead in the 55th minute, before Anmol scored his second goal a minute later. Aryan Xess then completed India's three-goal burst in the 58th minute to seal the 7-3 victory.
