India opened their AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 title defence in emphatic fashion, defeating Indonesia 14-0 in their Pool A match in Moqi, China, on September 5. The five-time champions led 6-0 at half-time and continued to press after the break, leaving Indonesia with no route back into the contest.
Prabhdeep Singh led the scoring with five goals, while captain Anmol Ekka added four and Ajeet Yadav completed a hat-trick. The three players accounted for 12 of India’s goals. India also showed sharpness from set pieces, converting four penalty corners and scoring once from a penalty stroke.
The result gives India an ideal start, but it is only the first stage of a demanding pool campaign. Japan are next on September 6, followed by matches against South Korea and Chinese Taipei. Those fixtures will provide a more revealing measure of the defending champions’ ability to retain the title.
The tournament is also an important stage for players seeking a route into senior international hockey. Strong performances from Prabhdeep, Ekka and Yadav will encourage Indian hockey supporters, but the real test will be whether the group can maintain its control against stronger opposition.
India’s opening performance has delivered an early message: the champions have arrived with attacking depth and confidence. The task now is to turn that statement into consistency across the rest of the Junior Asia Cup.