DAZHOU: Japan outclassed Pakistan 3-0 to win the U-18 Asia Cup title at the National Hockey Training Centre in Dazhou, China on Sunday.

The triumphant Japanese side stayed unbeaten throughout the tournament while Pakistan’s unbeaten streak in the event finally ended in the decider that turned out to be a lop-sided affair.

Despite an aggressive stance adopted by both the teams, the first quarter remained goalless.

In the second quarter, Japan took lead in the seventh minute through Yuma Fujiwara as Japan led 1-0 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Pakistan create multiple opportunities to level the score.

They earned a penalty corner within the first minute, but a superb save by the Japanese goalkeeper denied them. A few moments later, another penalty corner could not be converted by the Green-shirts.

Japan then doubled their lead with a goal from Fujiwara. On the other hand, Pakistan failed to convert two more penalty corners.

In the closing minutes of the final quarter, skipper Tatsuaki Yasui extended Japan’s lead to 3-0 with a well-executed penalty corner.

Pakistan began their campaign in the tournament with a resounding 8-0 win over Hong Kong, followed by a dominant 9-0 victory against Sri Lanka. In their third match, Pakistan overcame Bangladesh 6-3.

In the quarter-final, Pakistan beat China 2-1 to reach the last four. The Green-shirts then recorded a nail-biting 4-3 victory over Malaysia in the semi-final on a penalty shootout.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2025