SALALAH, Oman: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan will face off in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 hockey tournament at the Salalah Sports Complex in Oman today (Saturday).
The Indian hockey team is currently second in Pool A, behind Pakistan on goal difference. The match may very well decide how Pool A of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 pans out. The match is scheduled to start at 9:00pm PST.
Both the nations have made a strong start to the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 hockey and are undefeated so far. The Indian hockey team opened its campaign with an 18-0 win over Chinese Taipei and came from behind in their last match against Japan to secure a hard-fought 3-1 win. The Pakistani team, meanwhile, thrashed Chinese Taipei 15-1 in their opener before beating Thailand by an imposing 9-0 margin in their second match.
Both teams are currently on six points from two matches with Pakistan topping Pool A only on the basis of goal difference. With India set to face Thailand in their final group clash and Pakistan going up against a comparatively stronger opponent, Japan, in their final group game, a win on Saturday can go a long way in confirming a semi-final spot. The top two teams from each of the two groups will make the semis at the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023.
Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman is currently the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, and Indian attacker Hundal Araijeet Singh is right behind Rehman with five strikes. The Men’s Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament is being held after eight years. At the last edition in 2015 played in Malaysia, India beat Pakistan in the final to win the title. The 2021 edition was cancelled due to Covid.
