After an impressive run throughout the tournament, Pakistan were comprehensively defeated by Japan in the final of the Men’s U18 Asia Cup 2025, held at the National Hockey Training Centre on Sunday.
Japan secured a 3-0 victory over Pakistan to lift the title, dominating the match with composure and clinical finishing. The match remained goalless in the first quarter despite Pakistan’s aggressive start and multiple scoring opportunities.
However, Japan took the lead in the second quarter through Yuma Fujiwara, who found the net in the seventh minute.
In the third quarter, Fujiwara struck again in the 38th minute, doubling Japan’s advantage and tightening their grip on the match.
In the closing moments, Tatsuaki Yasui sealed the result with a third goal from a well-executed penalty corner, confirming Japan’s triumph.
Pakistan began the match with intensity, pressing forward and creating chances early on, but the Japanese defence stood firm and denied any breakthrough.
Despite the final defeat, Pakistan had a strong tournament overall, with emphatic wins against Hong Kong (8-0), Sri Lanka (9-0), Bangladesh (6-3), and China (2-1).
In the semi-finals, Pakistan edged past Malaysia 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling encounter.
However, their winning streak came to an end in the final, as Japan proved too strong on the day.
