India thumps Indonesia 14‑0 in AHF Junior Asia Cup opener

On a bright Saturday in Moqi, China, the Indian junior men’s hockey team stamped its authority on the AHF Junior Asia Cup right from the first whistle. The scoreboard eventually read a jaw‑dropping 14‑0 in favour of India, leaving the Indonesian side searching for answers.

From the get‑go, India looked hungry. Within five minutes, Prabhdeep Singh had already nudged the ball into the net, giving his side an early lead that set the tone for the rest of the game. Harpal followed up just three minutes later, making it 2‑0 before the crowd could even settle.

Captain Anmol Ekka, the ever‑reliable play‑maker, was quick to add his name to the list of scorers. A penalty stroke in the 16th minute saw him push the tally to three, and he’d later convert two more from corners in the second half. By halftime, the Indians were already six goals up, with Prabhdeep completing a hat‑trick before the break.

The second half was hardly any different. The Indian forwards kept probing, rotating, and finding gaps in the Indonesian defence. Ajeet Yadav, who had been working quietly in the midfield, burst onto the scoresheet with a rapid double in the 53rd minute, sealing his own hat‑trick. The final goal came from Ashu Maurya, who curled a penalty corner past the keeper in the 59th minute, sealing the 14‑0 rout.

In total, three players accounted for twelve of the fourteen goals – Prabhdeep Singh with five, Anmol Ekka with four, and Ajeet Yadav with three. Harpal and Ashu Maurya each added one more to complete the demolition.

Indonesia, for their part, struggled to match the speed and fluidity of the Indian attack. Their attempts were often thwarted by swift tackles and tight marking, and they never seemed to find a rhythm to threaten the Indian goal.

Beyond the numbers, the match was a statement. India, five‑time champions of the tournament, reminded everyone why they’re the team to beat. Their aggressive pressing, crisp passing, and clinical finishing were on full display, and the players wore the joy of the occasion on their faces – a mix of concentration, pride, and a touch of youthful exuberance.

As the final whistle blew, the Indian camp celebrated a dominant start to their title‑defence campaign, while Indonesia walked off with lessons to learn. The next rounds promise more thrilling hockey, but for now, the 14‑0 scoreboard tells the story loud and clear.