Araijeet Singh Hundal played like a man possessed, drilling in four goals as India edged past arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in a pulsating finale to be crowned Junior Asia Cup hockey champions for the third time in a row. (Match Highlights | More Hockey News)

Pakistan drew first blood in the third minute via Shahid Hannan, but it was all Hundal from then on as he slotted in two goals apiece in the first and second halves to single-handedly propel the defending champions to victory in Muscat, Oman.

This was India's fifth title in the continental showpiece, having previously clinched the crown in 2004, 2008, 2015 and 2023. The tournament was not held in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Araijeet converted three penalty corners in the fourth, 18th and 54th minutes besides finding the net from a field effort in the 47th minute. Dilraj Singh (19th) was the other goal-getter for India.

For Pakistan, Sufyan Khan (30th, 39th) converted two penalty corners, in addition to Hannan's field goal in the third minute. Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1 to claim the third spot earlier in the day.

There was little to differentiate the two sides in the first quarter as both India and Pakistan fought hard for ball possession. The highlight of the first quarter was aerial passes employed by both the teams.

But Pakistan had the first laugh, striking as early as the third minute through Shahid. India didn't sit back and secured their first penalty corner seconds later, and Araijeet stepped up to draw level with a powerful drag-flick to the right of Pakistan goalkeeper Janjua Muhammad.

India upped their game in the second quarter and secured their second penalty corner in the 18th minute, and Araijeet struck again with another powerful flick. A minute later, a fine field goal by Dilraj extended India's lead to 3-1.

Pakistan, however, reduced the margin at the fag end of the first half through a PC conversion by Sufyan. Pakistan were also the better side on display after the change of ends and they drew level in the 39th minute through another penalty corner conversion by Sufyan.

India secured their third penalty corner in the 47th minute, but Araijeet's effort was saved by Pakistan goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua. Araijeet, however, was not to be denied his hat-trick as he found the net from a field effort seconds later to hand India the lead again.

India pressed hard on the Pakistan citadel in the final 10 minutes and secured a few more penalty corners and Araijeet found the net again from a fine variation to make the scoreline 5-3.

While the junior men's team did the nation proud in Muscat, their female counterparts will have the chance to do the same in a few days as the Women's Junior Asia Cup kicks off at the same venue from December 7, with India being the defending champions there as well.

(With PTI inputs)