India defended their men’s Junior Asia Cup title with remarkable ease, winning the final against Korea 4-1 in Moqi, China, on Sunday (September 13, 2026) to secure a place in the World Cup.
Ajeet Yadav put India ahead in the 9 th minute, scoring through a deflection. Captain Anmol Ekka converted an opportunity in the 13 th minute to double India’s advantage. India added their third goal in the 21 st minute, with Prabhdeep Singh producing a superb finish to send the ball into the net. India went into the half-time break with a commanding 3-0 advantage. India made the opportunity count as Ashu Maurya found the back of the net in the 50th minute to extend India’s lead to 4-0. Korea were awarded a penalty stroke following a foul, and Captain Lee Minhyeok converted from the spot in the 54 th minute to pull one goal back for his side.
Korea earned a penalty corner in the closing stages of the first quarter, but the Indian defence stood firm to keep the Korean attack at bay. Korea looked to find a way back into the contest, but India’s defensive unit remained compact and disciplined. India began the final quarter with the same attacking intent and earned a penalty corner. Korea initially did well to keep out a barrage of attempts on goal before India were awarded another penalty corner following a referral. Korea’s referral was unsuccessful, allowing India to retain the penalty corner.