Defending champions India marched into the semifinals of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup with a commanding 15‑0 victory over Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, topping Pool A with 10 points.
Captain Anmol Ikka led the charge with six goals — all from penalty corners — as India recovered from a goalless first quarter to unleash a relentless attacking display.
After early resistance from Taipei, Aryan Xess, Prabhdeep Singh, and Gursewak Singh opened the floodgates with three quick goals. Anmol converted twice before halftime, and India went into the break 6‑0 ahead.
The second half saw India tighten their grip. Anmol completed his hat‑trick and added three more, while Ajeet Yadav, Arjun Santosh Hargude, and Harpal Singh joined the scoring spree. Aryan Xess added two late goals to seal the emphatic win.
With this triumph, India finished atop Pool A, followed by South Korea (nine points). Japan, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei will now play classification matches.
Coach Frederic Soyez praised the team’s intensity and discipline, calling the performance “a statement of intent” ahead of the semifinals.
