India’s sub-junior men’s team continued its dominant run at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 with two commanding victories on Friday, defeating hosts Oman 10-1 before outclassing arch-rivals Pakistan 7-3 in a high-scoring contest.
The Indian women’s side, meanwhile, fought hard but suffered a 6-3 defeat to China in their Elite Pool fixture despite matching their opponents in an entertaining first half.
India overpower Pakistan in high-scoring clash
In the day’s marquee fixture, India delivered an attacking masterclass to defeat Pakistan 7-3 and strengthen their campaign in Muscat.
India raced into a 3-0 lead before the break through goals from Romit Pal (8′), Karan Gautam (10′) and captain Ketan Kushwaha (10′), leaving Pakistan with a mountain to climb.
The Indians maintained the intensity after half-time as Prahalad Rajbhar (12′) made it 4-0. Pakistan responded through Muhammad Usman (12′, 15′) and skipper Adeel (17′), but India never lost control of the contest. Goals from Shahrukh Ali (16′), Rahul Yadav (18′) and Kushwaha (20′) wrapped up a convincing four-goal victory.
Ten-goal blitz against hosts Oman
Earlier in the day, India opened Friday’s action with a clinical 10-1 win over hosts Oman.
The visitors stormed into a 6-0 half-time lead, with Shahrukh Ali (3′, 10′) and Ketan Kushwaha (6′, 8′) scoring twice each, while Karan Gautam (2′) and Prahalad Rajbhar (3′) also found the net.
India continued their dominance after the interval as Kushwaha completed a four-goal haul with strikes in the 11th and 19th minutes. Gautam (15′) and Rajbhar (16′) added their second goals before Khazraj Subait Subait Al-Mashrafi (20′) grabbed a late consolation for Oman.
Indian women lose to China despite bright start
The Indian women’s team made an encouraging start against China, with Sandeepa Kumari (1′) opening the scoring before Kiran Ekka (3′, 6′) struck twice to help India finish the first half level at 3-3.
China, however, took control after the break. Guo Jiaxin completed a hat-trick with goals in the 13th and 20th minutes, while Lu Tongtong added her second of the match to seal a 6-3 victory.
The FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship 2026 also serves as the continental qualifying tournament for the inaugural FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup.