New Delhi: India’s junior men’s hockey team stormed into the final of the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 with a composed 3-1 victory over Malaysia on Friday. The defending champions are now one win away from securing their fourth consecutive title and sixth overall crown in the competition.
Captain and drag flick specialist Anmol Ekka once again produced a match winning performance, scoring twice from penalty corners. His brace took his tournament tally to 16 goals, strengthening his position at the top of the scoring charts.
Goalkeeper Vivek Lakra was equally crucial to India’s success. Named Player of the Match, Lakra made several outstanding saves throughout the contest, including a crucial stop from a Malaysian penalty stroke.
India dominated the early exchanges and created several opportunities, but Malaysia’s goalkeeper Amsyar Mohamad Adib kept the score level during the opening quarter.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 16th minute when India earned their fourth penalty corner. Anmol unleashed a powerful low flick that beat the Malaysian goalkeeper and gave India a 1-0 advantage.
Malaysia responded with increased pressure after the goal, but Lakra repeatedly denied their attempts. India also had to defend with fewer players on two occasions after yellow cards, yet their defensive organisation remained strong.
India doubled their advantage in the 51st minute when Sukhvinder finished a well constructed attacking move. Two minutes later, Lakra produced another major moment by saving a Malaysian penalty stroke.
India immediately turned that save into attacking momentum. A penalty corner followed, and Anmol delivered again with a powerful flick to make it 3-0.
Malaysia finally pulled one back through M Rahuul from their eighth penalty corner with only seconds remaining, but it was too late to change the result.
India now await the winner of the second semifinal between Pakistan and South Korea. With their title defence still alive, the junior side will be aiming to complete another successful campaign with a fourth straight championship.
