In a captivating opening match at the Sultan of Johor Cup, the defending champion Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team showcased resilience and determination to hold arch-rivals Pakistan to a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The match saw goals from Amandeep Lakra (30′), Aditya Arjun Lalage (56′), and Uttam Singh (59′) securing a crucial point for India. On the other hand, Arbaz Ahmad (31′, 58′) and Abdul Shahid (49′) found the back of the net for Pakistan.
Both teams delivered a high-intensity encounter, setting the stage for an exciting tournament that serves as a significant test for the teams participating in the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023, scheduled for Malaysia in December.
The early stages of the game witnessed a shared nervousness as both teams adjusted to the occasion. In the 12th minute, India’s Angad Bir Singh had a prime opportunity to score but narrowly missed the target, with no teammate to capitalize on the chance.
While neither side established formidable attacking formations in the first quarter, their solid defenses maintained a deadlock on the scoreboard.
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Pakistan launched a strong start in the second quarter, earning a penalty corner in the opening minute. However, India’s first rusher defended effectively, denying Pakistan an early lead. India had a few circle penetrations but faced a mistrap in their first penalty corner attempt, leaving the score goalless.
India, the defending champions, finally broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a crucial goal by dragflick specialist Amandeep Lakra.
However, Pakistan swiftly equalized in the 31st minute through a penalty corner executed by Arbaz Ahmad. India showed resilience and continued to press forward. Poovana Boby Chandura attempted a goal in the 39th minute, but it was thwarted by Pakistani goalkeeper Ali Raza.
Although India created promising forays into the striking circle in the following minutes, they were unable to find the net.
The final quarter began with a 1-1 tie on the scoreboard, and both teams intensified their efforts to secure three vital points. In the 49th minute, Pakistan’s Captain Abdul Shahid delivered a top-left corner goal, giving his team a 2-1 lead.
India responded with a penalty corner in the 50th minute, but the Pakistani goalkeeper made a brilliant save, denying India the equalizer. With just five minutes remaining, India seized another penalty corner opportunity, this time executing it brilliantly with Aditya Arjun Lalage scoring from a rebound off Ali Raza’s pads.
The equalizer set the stage for a tense final few minutes, with both teams in search of a winning goal. Pakistan regained the lead with a well-converted penalty corner by Arbaz Ahmad just under three minutes before the final hooter.
However, India displayed remarkable spirit and determination, securing a phenomenal field goal by Captain Uttam Singh in the 59th minute, resulting in a hard-fought 3-3 draw with their arch-rivals, Pakistan.
