The Junior Hockey Asia Cup kicks off on Tuesday in Salalah, Oman. The trophy unveiling ceremony was held on Monday where all the captains posed with the trophy.
In the first match of the event, Japan outplayed Thailand by 7-1. The second match would be played between Pakistan and Chinese Taipei. Pakistan has been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India. The two former champions will face each other on May 27. Pakistan will play against Thailand on May 24 and Japan on May 29 in their final group stage.
Group B comprises hosts Oman, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, South Korea and Bangladesh. The top two teams from both groups will reach the semi-finals, while the final of the event will be played on June 1. Pakistan and India have won the title three times each, while South Korea and Malaysia have won the title once each.
The event was supposed to be held in 2021 but had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic in Bangladesh. Junior Hockey Asia Cup was last held in 2015 when India defeated Pakistan in the final.