The Indian sub-junior men's hockey team won the gold medal by defeating Pakistan, while the women's team secured the silver medal after a close contest against China.
In the final of the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship, the Indian sub-junior men's hockey team demonstrated a clinical performance to secure the gold medal. The team, led by captain Ketan Kushwaha, defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 with goals from Romit Pal, Ketan Kushwaha, and Shahrukh Ali. This victory granted India the top position at the Elite Pool table.
India took early control in the match with sharp passing and disciplined structure, leading to a 1-0 half-time lead after Romit Pal's goal. The second half saw Ketan Kushwaha and Shahrukh Ali extend India's dominance, making the score 3-0 before Pakistan pulled one back through Muhammad Usman.
The Indian women's team also put up a valiant effort, earning the silver medal after a hard-fought contest against China. This marked both Indian contingents returning home with medals.
In celebration of these stellar performances, Hockey India announced cash rewards for the teams. Each player of the gold medal-winning Indian men's team will be rewarded with 2 lakh rupees, while each member of the support staff will receive 1 lakh rupees. Similarly, each player of the silver medal-winning Indian women’s team will receive 1 lakh rupees, and their support staff will receive 50,000 rupees.
By virtue of reaching the final, both India and Pakistan have qualified for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
Source:
Akashvani News
