Hockey Junior World Cup: Arshdeep Singh shines as India crushes Oman 17-0

India’s commanding win over Oman

After a slow start against Chile in their opener, India made a blistering comeback, dismantling Oman 17-0 at the Junior Hockey World Cup. The match, held in Kuala Lumpur, saw India dominate from the first whistle, leaving little room for their opponents to recover.

Arshdeep Singh’s clinical performance

Arshdeep Singh emerged as the standout player, exhibiting remarkable precision in his finishing. He struck multiple times, demonstrating composure and awareness inside the circle. His ability to convert half-chances into goals reflected both confidence and technical improvement.

Team effort and attacking rhythm

The entire Indian unit contributed to the onslaught. Midfielders controlled the tempo, distributing effectively, while strikers exploited every opening. The defensive line had a quiet outing but remained disciplined, maintaining structure even when surging forward.

India’s relentless press forced turnovers, leading to a flurry of penalty corners and open-play chances. The forwards capitalized routinely, displaying fluid combinations and quick transitions from defense to attack.

Lessons and way forward

Despite the scoreline, coach C.R. Kumar emphasized maintaining focus for tougher fixtures ahead. He praised the team’s energy but stressed the importance of consistency against stronger oppositions like Spain and the Netherlands.

“We played with intensity, but the goal is to stay grounded and refine our approach match by match,”
said coach C.R. Kumar post-game.

Arshdeep echoed the sentiment, crediting the collective effort:

“Everyone contributed, and we wanted to build momentum early. The team is improving with every quarter.”

Statistical highlights

Final score: India 17 – 0 Oman
Top scorer: Arshdeep Singh
Possession: 72% in favor of India
Shots on target: 28
Penalty corners converted: 9 out of 11

Looking ahead

India’s emphatic win places them on top of their group standings, boosting confidence ahead of crucial knockout-stage tests. The team’s attacking form suggests strong medal potential if they maintain the same focus and teamwork.

Summary: India’s 17-0 demolition of Oman, led by Arshdeep Singh’s sharp finishing, marks a statement performance in the Junior Hockey World Cup, revealing growing confidence and tactical cohesion.

The Indian Express — 2025-11-30