Prabhdeep singh

AHF Junior Asia Cup: India’s Junior Men’s Hockey Team made a commanding start to their title defence at the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026, producing a ruthless 14-0 victory over Indonesia in their opening Pool A encounter on Saturday. Captain Anmol Ekka, Prabhdeep Singh, and Ajeet Yadav spearheaded the emphatic performance, scoring 12 goals between them as the five-time champions immediately stamped their authority on the tournament.

Prabhdeep was the most prolific scorer of the day, finding the net five times to earn the ‘Player of the Match’ award, while skipper Anmol contributed four goals and Yadav scored thrice for his hat-trick. Harpal and Ashu Maurya accounted for the other two goals as India maintained relentless pressure throughout the contest.

India’s attacking intent was evident from the opening whistle as they repeatedly entered the Indonesian circle and created scoring opportunities. Prabhdeep opened the scoring in the fifth minute, giving India an early advantage before Harpal doubled the lead in the eighth minute. Indonesia struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the Indian attack as the first quarter ended with India firmly in control at 2-0.