When they claimed their first maiden Asia Cup title in Karachi on Thursday, the junior India team also fulfilled a promise — a vow to honour the country’s Kargil heroes. ‘‘On January 27 this year at Manesar during their commando training camp, they promised they would win the junior Asia Cup and honour our Kargil heroes,’’ a jubilant coach Harendra Singh informed The Indian Express from Karachi, hours after his talented wards beat Pakistan 5-2 to claim the Junior Asia Cup.‘‘I’m proud of them. They have shown tremendous grit for boys their age. A great gift they’ve given the country. This is is the happiest moment of my life,’’ said Singh. Singh said he was thrilled by the confidence and composure that his team showed, showing no nerves about playing Pakistan in Pakistan. ‘‘They were very relaxed, they even joked about pumping in five goals.’’ Incidentally, the team, which has been with Singh for about 18 months now has gone 30 matches without a single loss. ‘‘The entire support staff have been fantastic. A lot of credit must go to physio Dr Saju Joseph,’’said Singh. ‘‘He’s worked really hard with the boys. They are a very fit side today and when they played upto 90 minutes against South Korea, we proved it.’’ Assistant coach Clarence Lobo was equally ecstatic. ‘‘To beat Pakistan on their turf to claim the Asia Cup is just fantastic. The boys have shown fantastic temperament.’’
