Jr Asia Cup hockey title for India

India won the inaugural Junior Asia Cup (under-18) hockey title when they overwhelmed Uzbekistan 7-0 before a packed stadium in Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday.

Dominating the match from the word go, India led 5-0 at the break.

In the fourth minute, full back Jugraj Singh, captain of the Indian team, drew first blood following a penalty-stroke and scored twice later (the third and fifth goals), while K P Dinesh and Bikramjit Singh were the other scorers in the first half.

While Indian players' grit and determination paid off, the rivals were made to return empty handed by the Indian defence, which deserves full credit for keeping the hardworking Uzbekistan forwards at bay. The Uzbeks squandered five penalty-corners and even a 'stroke'

Indian goalkeeper Suraj Kantha, from Manipur, was at his best and brought off an excelent save to deny Usmanov Ilhomsojon's push from the'spot'. The 'stroke' was awarded following an Indian defender's infringement inside the circle. At that time India were leading 2-0.

In the second half, forward Imitiaz Ahmed and right half, Sandeep Kumar scored the sixth and seventh goals for India.

Compared to India's eight penalty-corners, of which two resulted in goals, Uzbekistan squandered all five penalty-corner attempts.

Jugraj Singh, who scored 14 goals in the tournament in five matches, was adjudged the top scorer of the Asia Cup, while Rajpal Singh was adjudged the best player of the tournament.

Tushar Khandekar, the wily forward, who was instrumental in almost all of India's seven goals, was adjudged as the 'man of the match' in the final.

Three members of the Indian team made it to an Asian XI. A panel of selectors, drawn from the Asian region, selected Jugraj Singh, Suraj Khantha and Rajpal Singh. The Asian XI has been selected for tournaments in the coming season, in the under-18 category.

The victorious Indian team will arrive in Madras on Monday evening.