India Triumphs Over Korea in Junior Men’s Hockey WC with Araijeet’s Hat-Trick

Kuala Lumpur, December 6: In a promising start to the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Malaysia 2023, the Indian junior men’s hockey team registered a win over their Asian counterparts, Korea, at the National Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. Arijit Singh Hundal emerged as the best performer with a hat-trick, while Amandeep also contributed a goal for India. The final score was 4–2, with Dohyun Lim and Minkwon Kim scoring the goals for Korea.

The match began with both teams carefully navigating each other’s areas and attempting to create chances without creating significant threats. India started the first significant attack with a slight advantage in ball possession. However, Sudip Chirmako’s reverse flick from the right flank went over the goal post.

As the game progressed, India stepped up their efforts in Korea’s circle, earning their first penalty corner. Arajith broke the deadlock in the 11th minute during a chaotic penalty corner routine, laying the foundation for India’s dominance.

In the second quarter, India doubled its lead to 2-0 with a brilliant field goal. Bobby’s extraordinary run down the baseline set up Arayjeet for an easy home. India kept the pressure on by earning another penalty corner in the 29th minute, but failed to convert. However, Amandeep scored an open-play goal just before the end of the first half to take the lead to 3-0.

Korea made a comeback in the second half and increased the lead to 3-1 by scoring from Dohyun’s penalty corner in the 38th minute. However, Arayjit completed his hat-trick with a reverse flick in the 41st minute, restoring India’s three-goal lead.

With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, India faced adversity with only nine players on the field. Korea took advantage of this advantage by converting a penalty corner through Minkwon Kim to make the score 4-2.

Both teams played aggressively in the last quarter, but neither side managed to change the scoreline. Despite several chances, India missed the chance to score its fifth goal on a penalty corner. The match ended with a 4–2 victory for India.

Looking ahead, India will face Spain in their second match of the tournament on Thursday.