Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh scored a quartet as Indian team kept their unbeaten run intact in the Junior Men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament, registering an emphatic 6-2 victory over arch-rival Pakistan in the final on Sunday.
Harmanpreet, who has been on a goal spree in this tournament, opened India’s account in the 10th minute converting a penalty corner in scintillating fashion. Harmanpreet netted another in 15th minute with a rocket of a strike to convert yet another penalty corner.
Pakistan struck back in the 28th minute with a field goal by Muhammad Yaqoob before Harmanpreet rose to the occasion with a hat-trick in the 30th minute as India finished the first-half with a comfortable 3-1 lead.
India started the second-half with the usual flair when Armaan Qureshi and Manpreet scored field goals in 44th and 50th minute respectively to consolidate India’s lead to 5-1. Harmanpreet found himself at the scoreboard again with a fourth strike of the match in the 53rd minute and became the highest scorer of the tournament with 15 goals.
Pakistan reduced the margin in the 68th minute and scored a consolation goal through Muhammad Dilber.
Indian coach Harendra Singh said, “It was an exciting final and the boys displayed immaculate passion and calmness on the field. We ended up as runners up in the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup which made it an even bigger win as we were hungry for the podium position. The support was immense and we felt we were playing in our own backyard. We only have to look forward from here and keep giving such excellent performances.”
