Captain Anmol Ekka Shines With Six Goals as Defending Champions India Thrash Chinese Taipei 15-0 to Enter Junior Asia Cup Semi-Finals

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Defending champions India delivered an offensive masterclass on Wednesday, crushing Chinese Taipei 15-0 to book a resounding spot in the semi-finals of the Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Moki. Spearheaded by inspirational captain Anmol Ekka, who netted an extraordinary six goals through clinical penalty corner conversions, the Indian junior squad showcased absolute superiority on the turf. After a tightly contested opening quarter where Chinese Taipei managed to absorb early pressure and deny the Indian forward line, the defending champions unlocked their full potential, orchestrating a relentless goal-scoring exhibition that completely overwhelmed the opposition defense.

Penalty Corner Mastery and First-Half Goal Rush

Although the scoreboard remained untouched during a scoreless first quarter marked by high Indian possession, the floodgates opened immediately in the second period as India netted three goals within a frantic five-minute span. Aryan Jess broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, quickly followed by strikes from Prabhdeep Singh in the 18th minute and Gursewak Singh in the 22nd minute. Captain Anmol Ekka then initiated his personal scoring clinic by converting a penalty corner in the 25th minute, before Arjun Santosh Hargude added to the tally in the 28th minute. Anmol struck again right before halftime, sending India into the break with a commanding 6-0 cushion.

Relentless Second-Half Onslaught Seal Historic Victory

The second half brought no respite for Chinese Taipei as India maintained unyielding attacking pressure, earning two quick penalty corners within the opening three minutes of the third quarter, both of which Anmol converted with clinical precision. Ajit Yadav added his name to the scoresheet in the 35th minute, and Anmol capped off his sensational performance by slamming home his fifth goal in the 45th minute to extend the lead to 10-0. The final 15 minutes witnessed goals pouring in effortlessly, with Harpal notching a brilliant field goal in the 48th minute, Anmol sealing his sixth goal in the 51st minute, and Harpal alongside Aryan Jess rounding off the historic 15-0 victory.