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Jugraj Singh was on fire with four goals as the Indian men’s hockey team battered Canada 14–3 to finish on top of the pool standings and seal a place in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Saturday.

India, who have lost only once in the tournament — a narrow 1–2 defeat to Belgium — came into the game high on confidence after a thrilling 3–2 win against New Zealand. The result has now set up a title clash against Belgium on Sunday.

India got off to a blazing start with Nilakanta Sharma scoring in the fourth minute, followed by Rajinder Singh’s strike in the 10th minute. Canada pulled one back through Brendan Guraliuk via a penalty corner in the 11th minute, but the response from India was immediate and ruthless.

Jugraj and Amit Rohidas struck in the 12th and 15th minutes to give India a commanding 4–1 lead at the end of the first quarter. The young squad — missing several senior stars rested for the tournament — continued their dominance in the second quarter with goals from Rajinder (24th),Dilpreet Singh (25th) and Jugraj (26th) to extend the advantage to 7–1.

Canada showed some fight early in the third quarter with Matthew Sarmento converting a penalty stroke in the 35th minute, but Jugraj completed his hat-trick in the 39th minute before Selvam Karthi made it 9–2 four minutes later.

The final quarter turned into a goal fest, with six strikes in total. Rohidas (46th) and Jugraj (50th, penalty stroke) continued India’s scoring spree before Jyothswaroop Sidhu added Canada’s third from a penalty corner.

India closed the match in style with Sanjay converting a penalty stroke in the 56th minute and Abhishek netting twice in the 57th and 59th to wrap up a record-breaking 14–3 victory.

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With momentum firmly on their side, India will now eye revenge against Belgium — the only team to beat them in the tournament — in Sunday’s summit clash.