The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team delivered a dominant performance in their Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 opener, securing an 11-0 victory over Thailand in Muscat on Wednesday.
As per a release from Hockey India, the match saw several standout performances, with Araijeet Singh Hundal (2′, 24′) scoring a brace, and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (19′, 52′) and Gurjot Singh (18′, 45′) each adding two goals. Arshdeep Singh (8′), Sharda Nand Tiwari (10′), Dilraj Singh (21′), Rohit (29′), and Mukesh Toppo (59′) also contributed a goal each in India’s comprehensive win.
From the very beginning, India took control of the match, maintaining possession and applying constant pressure. Araijeet opened the scoring early in the 2nd minute with a reverse shot from the left wing, assisted by Priyobarta Talem. Just minutes later, Arshdeep doubled the lead after pouncing on a rebound from Thailand’s goalkeeper, Thawin Phomjunt. India continued their dominance, with Tiwari adding a third goal from a penalty corner in the 10th minute.
The second quarter saw more of India’s attacking flair, with Gurjot Singh deflecting a shot from Araijeet to make it 4-0. Sourabh further extended India’s lead, converting a close-range rebound to make it 5-0. Dilraj then scored a brilliant reverse shot from the top of the circle, followed by Araijeet’s second goal in the 24th minute, a stunning reverse shot from within the circle. Rohit capped the half with a penalty stroke, sending India into the break with an 8-0 lead.
In the third quarter, India continued to dominate possession, although they missed several chances. Thailand managed to gain some ground but failed to challenge India’s defense. India scored once more before the quarter ended, with Gurjot deflecting Roshan Kujur’s pass into the net for a 9-0 scoreline.
The final quarter saw India’s patience pay off as they patiently built up their attacks. Sourabh added another in the 52nd minute, deflecting a pass from Amir to make it 10-0. With just seconds left, Mukesh completed the rout, scoring India’s 11th goal with a powerful strike from within the circle.
India’s all-around performance demonstrated their dominance, both in attack and defense, as they cruised to an emphatic 11-0 victory over Thailand.