Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh forwards Ajeet Yadav and Ashu Maurya played decisive roles as India retained the men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey title with a commanding 4-1 win over South Korea on Sunday.The duo from Ghazipur, who began their hockey journeys at Meghbaran Stadium in Karampur village, delivered on the big stage in the final. Ajeet opened the scoring for India, while Ashu struck the final goal to seal the victory and end South Korea’s hopes of a comeback. With the win, India lifted the continental crown for a record sixth time and also secured qualification for the Junior World Cup. India’s previous Junior Asia Cup titles came in 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023 and 2024, making it the most successful side in the tournament’s history.Ajeet enjoyed an impressive campaign, finishing with seven goals. He was also named Player of the Match in India’s 7-3 league-stage win over South Korea.“This is my first international medal, and I am extremely happy,” Ajeet told TOI. “I want to express my gratitude to my country and my state, which have supported me a lot. I scored seven goals in this tournament and was adjudged Player of the Match in our league game against South Korea. I also scored the first goal in today’s final, which makes me even happier. There is a very good atmosphere within the team, and coordination with coach Frederic Soyez has also been excellent.”Ashu, who was named Player of the Match in the final, scored four goals in the tournament and said the victory was a special moment in his career. “I am very happy,” Ashu said. “Being named Player of the Match in the final and scoring the last goal gives me a different kind of energy.”Hockey India selector RP Singh congratulated the men’s and women’s hockey teams and extended his best wishes.
