Sultan Of Johor Cup 2025: The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team delivered a composed and determined performance to defeat hosts Malaysia 2-1 in a gripping final pool-stage encounter of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, securing their place in the tournament final for a record eighth time.
Goals from Gurjot Singh (22’) and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48’) helped India overcome a resilient Malaysian side, who had equalised through Naaveenesh Panicker (43’). The result ensured India finished at the top of their group standings and will now face Australia in the title clash on Saturday.
The start of the match was delayed due to rain. The first quarter ended goalless and both teams tried to adapt to the slick conditions.
India Reach Sultan Of Johor Cup 2025 Finals
In the second quarter, India mounted pressure on the Malaysian defence through a flurry of circle penetrations and back-to-back penalty corners. It was in the 22nd minute India got the lead through Gurjot Singh in a penalty corner.
After the break, India maintained control of the game, but Malaysia gradually grew into the contest. The hosts capitalised on a rare defensive lapse in the 43rd minute when Naaveenesh Panicker tapped in from close range after India failed to clear their lines, bringing the home crowd to life and setting up a tense final quarter.
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India responded in style. Just five minutes after conceding, they regained the lead as Sourabh Anand Kushwaha scored from a rebound after a one-on-one with the Malaysian goalkeeper. The goal not only restored India’s advantage but also showcased the team’s mental resilience in a pressure situation.
As the game was nearing its end, Malaysia won two late penalty corners and forced a couple of threatening entries into the Indian circle, but the Indian defence stood tall.
This win marks India’s eighth appearance in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup in 12 editions- a testament to the nation’s consistent excellence at the junior level. The team, coached by PR Sreejesh, will now turn its attention to a high-voltage clash against Australia, who have also impressed throughout the tournament.
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Also Read: Sultan of Johor Cup 2025: Teams, Fixtures, All You Need To Know
Pakistan’s junior hockey team ended their Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 campaign with a 3-3 draw against unbeaten Australia at the Taman Daya Stadium on Friday, missing out on a chance to register a consolation win in their final league-stage fixture.
The boys in green made a shaky start as table-toppers Australia dominated early, scoring twice in the opening quarter through Oscar Sproule and captain Toby Mallon to take a commanding 2-0 lead. They fought back after the interval, reducing the deficit in the 38th minute when skipper Hannan Shahid netted a fine field goal.
However, Australia quickly restored their two-goal cushion as Ian Grobbelaar struck just two minutes into the final quarter.
Pakistan refused to back down, with Shahid leading from the front once again to make it 3-2 before Saif Ullah scored the all-important equaliser in the 57th minute.
