India's Misery Continues in Hockey Men's Junior Asia Cup

India, 22 December 2025 — The Indian men's junior hockey team faced a setback in the ongoing Men's Junior Asia Cup as they were defeated 5-2 by South Korea in the group stage match held in Salalah, Oman, on Wednesday. Despite a promising start, the Indian team struggled to maintain their momentum against a disciplined Korean side.

The match saw India initially taking the lead with a goal from Maninder Singh in the 10th minute, but South Korea quickly equalized and dominated the rest of the game. The Korean team capitalized on defensive lapses by India, scoring five goals to secure their victory.

This defeat marks India's first loss in the tournament, placing them under pressure to win their remaining games to advance to the semifinals. The Indian team, coached by Graham Reid, will need to focus on improving their defensive strategies and goal-scoring opportunities in upcoming matches.

The Men's Junior Asia Cup serves as a crucial platform for upcoming talent, with the top teams earning qualification for the Junior World Cup. India's performance in this tournament is being closely watched as it reflects the preparedness and potential of the next generation of players.

The tournament, which features teams from across Asia, will continue until the end of the month. India's next match is scheduled against Japan, and the team is expected to make strategic adjustments to improve their chances of advancing in the competition.