Junior Asia Cup: India set up title clash against Pakistan

Defending champions India stayed on course for a hat-trick of men’s junior Asia Cup hockey titles, defeating Malaysia 3-1 to enter the final of the continental tournament. Unbeaten so far in the tournament, India scored through Dilraj Singh (10th minute), Rohit (45th) and Sharda Nand Tiwari (52nd) to secure their place in the final. Malaysia’s lone goal came from a penalty stroke converted by Azimuddin Kamaruddin in the 57th minute.

India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the blockbuster final on Wednesday.

Pakistan defeated Japan 4-2 in the first semifinal.

India might have taken the lead in the first quarter but it was a scrappy performance from the title holders.

Malaysia were the early aggressors and had the better share of chances, including two penalty corners, which the Indians defended well.

The Indians took the lead against the run of play through Dilraj, who hit the board after getting a tricky pass from Araijeet Singh Hundal. The Indians started on a positive note in the second quarter. Thereafter, it was again a cagey performance from the Indians.

India secured their second penalty corner 32 seconds from the end of the third quarter and Rohit stepped up to score with a perfect drag-flick to the left of the Malaysian goalkeeper.

India earned their third set-piece in the 48th minute but wasted the chance.

Minutes later, India secured back-to-back penalty corners, the second of which was utilised by Sharda Nand from a rebound with a reverse shot after the initial flick was saved by the Malaysian goalkeeper.