India U-21 men made a whirlwind start to their title defence at the 11th Junior Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in Moqi, China, decimating Indonesia 14-0 in their opening Pool-A match today. Captain Anmol Ekka, Prabhdeep Singh and Ajeet Yadav spearheaded the emphatic performance, scoring 12 goals between them.

Five-time champions India will next meet Japan tomorrow. As many as seven players from Odisha, including one alternate, are representing the Indian junior mens team. Odisha defender Anmol Ekka is also leading the team. Other six Odisha players are: Vivek Lakra, Rohit Kullu, Sanjit Tirkey, Adrohit Ekka, Aryan Xess and Ritik Lakra (alternate).

Junior Asia Cup will serve as a qualification tournament for FIH Junior World Cup 2027. Mens Junior Asia Cup was first held in 1988. Indian Junior Men Team has bagged five gold (2004, 2008, 2015, 2023, 2024), two silver (1996, 2000) and two bronze (1988, 2012) medals so far.

INDIAN JUNIOR (U-21) MEN TEAM: Goalkeepers: Vivek Lakra, Kunal Tewatia. Defenders: Anmol Ekka (Captain), Rohit Kullu, Chirag, Ravinder, Ashu Maurya, Sanjit Tirkey, Sukhvinder. Midfielders: Adrohit Ekka, Harpal, Jeetpal, Manmeet Singh Rai. Forwards: Ajeet Yadav, Prabhdeep Singh, Gursewak Singh, Aryan Xess, Lovenoor Singh. Alternate Players: Arjun Santosh Hargude, Ritik Lakra. Coach: Frederic Soyez.

INDIA RESULTS:
5 September 2026 (Pool-A): India (Prabhdeep Singh 5-FG, 26-FG, 30-FG, 45-FG, 52-FG, Harpal 8-FG, Anmol Ekka 16-PC, 35-PC, 42-PC, 51-PC, Ajeet Yadav 20-FG, 53-FG, 53-FG, Ashu Maurya 59-PC) beat Indonesia 14-0. PoM: Prabhdeep Singh.