New Delhi: India opened their title defence at the AHF Junior Men’s Asia Cup in emphatic fashion, crushing Indonesia 14-0 in their Pool A opener in Moqi on Saturday.
The five time champions produced a dominant attacking display, with captain Anmol Ekka, Prabhdeep Singh and Ajeet Yadav accounting for 12 of the team’s 14 goals. Prabhdeep was the standout performer, scoring five times and earning the Player of the Match award. Ekka contributed four goals, while Yadav completed a hat trick.
Harpal and Ashu Maurya scored the other two goals as India maintained relentless pressure throughout the contest.
India took control early, repeatedly penetrating the Indonesian circle and creating chances. Prabhdeep opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Harpal doubled the advantage three minutes later.
The Indian attack continued to expose gaps in the Indonesian defence. Ekka converted a penalty stroke in the 16th minute before Yadav added another goal four minutes later to make it 4-0.
Prabhdeep then took charge of the scoring, finding the net in the 26th and 30th minutes to complete his hat trick and give India a 6-0 lead at half-time.
The pressure continued after the interval. Ekka converted penalty corners in the 35th and 42nd minutes before Prabhdeep scored again near the end of the third quarter, taking India to 9-0.
India produced another five goals in the final quarter. Ekka completed his four goal performance in the 51st minute, while Prabhdeep struck again a minute later to register his fifth.
Yadav then completed his hat trick with two goals in the 53rd minute as India moved 13-0 ahead. Maurya completed the rout in the 59th minute with a penalty corner conversion.
The comprehensive victory gives the defending champions an ideal start as they look to retain their continental title.
