India defeat Pakistan to retain Youth Hockey5s Asian title

MUSCAT (Agencies): India retained the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship title after defeating Pakistan 3-1 in the final on Saturday. India, who remained unbeaten against Pakistan throughout the tournament, took the lead after four minutes and 13 seconds when Romit Pal found the net. Pakistan were unable to respond before the end of the opening quarter and went into the break trailing by a goal. The defending champions then put the result beyond Pakistan’s reach in the final quarter. Ketan Kushwaha doubled India’s lead in the 12th minute before Shahrukh Ali added a third goal a minute later. Pakistan managed a consolation goal through Mohammad Usman in the 16th minute, but India held on comfortably to secure the title. India had also defeated Pakistan 7-3 earlier in the tournament, capitalising on their numerical advantage. Kushwaha scored twice in that match, while Rahul Yadav, Shahrukh Ali, Prahalad Rajbhar, Romit Pal and Karan Gautam scored once each. Adeel scored twice for Pakistan, with Muhammad Usman adding the other goal. Pakistan had reached the final despite suffering two defeats against India in the tournament. The Green Shirts began their campaign with a 5-0 victory over hosts Oman before defeating Bangladesh 5-2. They then beat Oman 7-3 in their second meeting before drawing 2-2 with Bangladesh in their final group match to finish second in the standings and qualify for the title decider.