Indian Sub-Junior Men's Team Beats Pakistan, Oman as Women's Team Remains Unbeaten at FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship

Muscat, Oman, July 2026: The Indian Sub-Junior Men's and Women's Teams continued their unbeaten run in the Elite Pool of the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 with another dominant day in Muscat. While the men's side secured victories over Oman and Pakistan, the women's team earned a draw against China before registering a comprehensive win over Uzbekistan.

Indian Men Defeat Pakistan and Oman

India's Sub-Junior Men's Team produced an impressive display to defeat Pakistan 7-4 in a high-scoring Elite Pool clash.

Karan Gautam emerged as the star performer with a hat-trick, scoring in the 5th, 9th and 19th minutes. Rahul Yadav opened India's account in the 3rd minute, while Prahalad Rajbhar, captain Ketan Kushwaha and Romit Pal also contributed with a goal each.

Pakistan's goals came through Aslam Muhammad Farhan, Adeel and Usman Muhammad, who scored twice, but India maintained control throughout the contest to seal another crucial victory.

Earlier in the day, India overwhelmed hosts Oman with a resounding 14-0 win.

Captain Ketan Kushwaha led from the front with four goals, while Ashish Tani Purti completed a hat-trick. Rahul Yadav and Shahrukh Ali scored two goals each, with Prahalad Rajbhar, Karan Gautam and Romit Pal also getting on the scoresheet in a dominant all-round performance.

Women's Team Draws with China Before Dominating Uzbekistan

The Indian Sub-Junior Women's Team began the day with a closely contested 2-2 draw against China in its second Elite Pool fixture.

China took the lead through Chen Ge in the fourth minute and held the advantage for much of the match. India responded late through Nousheen Naz, who struck twice in quick succession during the 16th and 17th minutes to put her side ahead. However, Jiaxin Guo found a dramatic equaliser in the 19th minute to ensure both teams shared the points.

India bounced back emphatically in its second match of the day, thrashing Uzbekistan 16-0.

Nousheen Naz once again starred with four goals, while Sandeepa Kumari and captain Sweety Kujur each completed hat-tricks. Diya and Pushpa Manjhi added braces, while Kiran Ekka and Nilam Topno also contributed to India's commanding victory.

World Cup Qualification at Stake

The FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship also serves as the Asian qualifying tournament for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup, with teams competing for qualification alongside the continental title.

With another unbeaten day in Muscat, both the Indian Sub-Junior Men's and Women's Teams have strengthened their position in the Elite Pool and remain firmly in contention for a place at the historic global event.

 

(Inputs from Press Release)