India Crush South Korea 7-3, Move Closer to Junior Asia Cup Semi-Finals

India strengthened their position at the top of Pool A of the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 with a convincing 7-3 victory over South Korea on Tuesday, moving to within one win of securing a place in the semi-finals.

The defending champions now have seven points from three matches, having recorded two wins and a draw. South Korea remain second with six points, while Japan are also in contention with four points ahead of their match against Indonesia later on Tuesday.

India will take on Chinese Taipei in their final Pool A match on Wednesday. A victory in that game will guarantee India a place in the semi-finals.

The scoreline, however, did not reflect how closely fought the contest was for most of the match. South Korea repeatedly matched India's attacks and managed to level the score three times before India took control in the closing stages.

Captain and star drag-flicker Anmol Ekka once again played a key role in India's victory, scoring twice. His brace took his tournament tally to eight goals.

India made an attacking start and opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Anmol converted a penalty corner. South Korea responded almost immediately, with Dohyeon Choi scoring from a penalty corner in the following minute to make it 1-1.

India regained the lead in the 18th minute through a field goal from Lovenoor Singh, but South Korea again responded quickly. Hyoguk Yoo converted a penalty corner within a minute to bring the teams level at 2-2.

India went into the half-time break with a narrow advantage after Ajeet Yadav scored in the 20th minute to make it 3-2.

South Korea continued to put pressure on the Indian defence after the restart. Yoo scored his second goal six minutes into the third quarter, bringing the Koreans level for the third time at 3-3.

India, though, finished the third quarter strongly. Prabhdeep Singh scored in the 42nd minute to put the defending champions back in front at 4-3 and give them an important psychological advantage heading into the final quarter.

The game remained competitive early in the fourth quarter, but India then produced the decisive spell of the match. They scored three goals in just three minutes to turn a narrow lead into a commanding victory.

Gursewak Singh increased India's lead in the 55th minute before Anmol converted another penalty corner a minute later to make it 6-3. Aryan Xess completed the scoring in the 58th minute, sealing a 7-3 victory for India.

The win leaves India firmly in control of their semi-final qualification hopes. With Chinese Taipei next, the defending champions will look to finish the pool stage on a high and carry their momentum into the knockout phase.