The Impressive TimesMuscat, Jul 26, 2026:
India vs Pakistan Hockey produced another memorable chapter as India’s Sub-Junior Men’s Hockey Team defeated Pakistan 3-1 to win the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 in Muscat. The victory completed an unbeaten campaign for the Indian side and secured qualification for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.
India seized the initiative early in the title clash with an aggressive attacking approach and disciplined defensive play. Romit Pal opened the scoring in the fifth minute, giving India a narrow lead before the break.
The Indian team tightened its grip on the contest after halftime as skipper Ketan Kushwaha doubled the advantage in the 12th minute. Barely a minute later, Shahrukh Ali added a third goal, putting Pakistan under immense pressure. Muhammad Usman managed to score for Pakistan in the closing stages, but India’s defence successfully protected its lead to secure the continental crown.
The result also confirmed qualification for both India and Pakistan for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, as the two finalists earned direct berths in the global competition.
India also enjoyed success in the women’s tournament, where the Sub-Junior Women’s Team finished runners-up after losing a closely contested final against China, returning home with the silver medal.
Following the impressive performances, Hockey India announced financial rewards for both squads. Every player from the gold medal-winning men’s team will receive ₹2 lakh, while each member of the support staff has been awarded ₹1 lakh. Players from the silver medal-winning women’s team will receive ₹1 lakh each, and every support staff member will be presented with ₹50,000 in recognition of their efforts.
The triumph underlined the growing strength of India’s youth hockey programme, with the team displaying consistency, tactical discipline and composure throughout the tournament. Their unbeaten run against some of Asia’s strongest teams reflects the depth of talent being developed at the grassroots level. The championship victory is expected to provide a major confidence boost ahead of the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, where India will aim to carry its winning momentum onto the global stage.
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