Malaysia failed to seize the bronze medal against Japan following a 1-2 defeat in the Men’s Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman on Wednesday (Dec 4).
The Japanese last won the bronze medal in 1996 in the 11-year history of the tournament that was inaugurated in 1988. They also finished in fourth place in 2000, 2008 and 2015.
Meanwhile, India triumphed 5-3 over arch-rivals Pakistan in the final to successfully defend their title. Araijeet Singh Hundal scored four of the five goals for India. Pakistan’s Sufyan Khan scored a brace and team captain Shahid Hannan added one goal.
The win handed the Indian colts, currently coached by two-time Olympic medallist PR Sreejesh, a record-extending fifth title (2024, 2023, 2015, 2008 and 2004) in the competition.
For the Malaysians, who emerged champions in 2012, runners-up in 1992, and won the bronze medal in 2000, this is the fourth time they have concluded their journey in the Junior Asia Cup in fourth position.
Japan took an early 2-0 lead through field goals from Tsubasa Tanaka in the seventh minute and Yuma Fijiwara two minutes later. Harris Osman, however, brought the Young Tigers back into contention with a penalty corner conversion in the 23rd minute.
The Malaysians created many opportunities as the match progressed, just as they did in the semifinal encounter against India on Tuesday. But their inability to convert them into goals seems to be their Achilles heel. It is this vulnerability that led to their failure to win against Japan despite their overall strength.
The Young Tigers, who have qualified for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 that will be held in India, will need to work on their ability to convert penalty corners to be reckoned with as a formidable side.
Japan showcased a crop of skillful and talented players who have mushroomed in recent months and are poised to take over the baton from the senior team in time to come.
In other matches, Bangladesh defeated China 6-3 in the 5-6th place match, while Thailand edged South Korea 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation time in the 7-8th place encounter.
This is the first time that Bangladesh have progressed to the final round of the World Cup at any level. In the 9-10th place match, hosts Oman defeated Chinese Taipei 3-2 in a penalty shootout after both teams were held to a 1-1 draw at full time.