Japan secured the Men’s Under-18 Asia Cup 2025 title with a decisive 3-0 win over Pakistan in the final held at the National Hockey Training Centre on Sunday, ending Pakistan’s unbeaten streak in the tournament.
From the outset, Japan dominated both in tactics and execution, capitalizing on Pakistan’s unusually defensive approach. Unlike earlier matches, Pakistan began cautiously and struggled to make an impact, failing to earn a penalty corner until midway through the game.
Read more: Abdul Sattar Edhi Hockey Stadium Renovated Ahead of DHA National Hockey Championship
Despite earning a penalty corner in the closing minutes of the first quarter, Japan couldn’t convert, and the match remained goalless in the first half. A green card to Japan’s Ueda Ryutaro just before halftime gave Pakistan a brief numerical advantage, but they were unable to turn it into an opportunity.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Japan’s Fujiwara Yuma scored the opening goal. He struck again in the third quarter, doubling Japan’s lead to 2-0.
Pakistan responded with renewed energy in the third quarter, creating pressure and earning six penalty corners in quick succession. However, their failure to convert any of them proved critical, and Japan maintained their 2-0 lead heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Japan continued their aggressive play, earning three consecutive penalty corners and converting one to seal the match 3-0, crushing Pakistan’s hopes of winning the title.
Despite the loss, Pakistan had a strong run in the tournament. They started with an 8-0 victory over Hong Kong, followed by a 9-0 thrashing of Sri Lanka. A 6-3 win over Bangladesh secured their place in the knockouts.
In the quarter-finals, they beat China 2-1 with a solid performance and reached the final after a thrilling semi-final against Malaysia, which ended 3-3 before Pakistan won 4-3 in a dramatic shootout.
