NEW DELHI: The Indian Men’s Junior Hockey Team is all set to face their arch-rivals, Pakistan, in the much-anticipated final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup. The team, who are the defending champions, have been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, winning all five of their games so far. As they prepare for the crucial showdown on December 4, 2024, they have received encouraging messages from sporting legends Harbhajan Singh, Abhinav Bindra, and Gagan Narang, who all sent their best wishes to the young team.
Harbhajan Singh, the veteran Indian cricketer, took to social media to rally behind the team, wishing them the best of luck ahead of the final. In a video message, he said, “A big shoutout to the Indian Hockey Team, which is playing the final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup today against Pakistan. Guys, I want to wish you the best on the field, go win it for India. I am sure you can do it. Come on India!”
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Abhinav Bindra, the Beijing Olympics gold medallist, also expressed his support, praising the Indian team for their remarkable victory over Malaysia in the semi-finals. “A big congratulations to our Indian junior hockey team for an incredible win against Malaysia in the semi-finals. Making it to the Junior Asia Cup final is such an amazing achievement, and you’ve already made the country so proud. As you take the field against Pakistan tonight, just remember to enjoy the moment and play the way you love. Trust your skills, trust each other, and keep that fighting spirit alive. We are all cheering for you and wishing you the very best. Go out there and have fun. Good luck and Jai Hind,” said Bindra in his message.
Our Junior men’s team is winning hearts and minds all over. 💙
Here’s a big shoutout to our Olympic Gold Medalist, Abhinav Bindra and ‘Turbanator’ Ex-Indian Player & Cricket Legend Harbhajan Singh who both have a very special message for the team before the Final, tonight.… pic.twitter.com/zAmfGVYf7A
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 4, 2024
Olympian shooter Gagan Narang also extended his well wishes, emphasizing the historical significance of the upcoming final. On social media, Narang wrote, “Let’s cheer our Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team, who will take on arch-rivals Pakistan tonight in the final of the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup. The Indian team, coached by my dear friend @imprsreejesh @TheHockeyIndia, is just one step away from creating history to become the only team in Asia to win the title for a record five times. Good Luck India!”
Let’s cheer our Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team who will take on arch rivals Pakistan tonight in the final of Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup. The Indian team coached by my dear friend @imprsreejesh @TheHockeyIndia they are just one step away from creating history to become the only…
— Gagan Narang (@gaGunNarang) December 4, 2024
The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament, winning all their group-stage games with dominating performances. Their victories include an 11-0 win over Thailand, a 3-2 win against Japan, a 16-0 drubbing of Chinese Taipei, and an 8-1 triumph over Korea. In the semi-finals, India comfortably defeated Malaysia 3-1 to book their spot in the final.
With the final match set to take place on December 4, 2024, at 8:30 PM IST, the Indian team will be looking to retain their title as they face off against Pakistan, a team they have a long-standing rivalry with. Fans and former players alike are excited to see if India can hold their nerve and bring home the trophy once again.