Sultan Johor Cup 2025: India defeated by Australia 1-2 in the final

New Delhi, October 18 (IANS). The Indian junior men’s hockey team suffered defeat against Australia in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor, Malaysia on Saturday. Indian team was defeated by Australia with 1-2. India started brightly, moving the ball around with short, precise passes which led to their dominance of the ball in the early stages. Their first big chance came in the opening fifth minute when a quick goal between Araijit Singh Hundal and Saurabh Anand Kushwaha gave Gurjot Singh a chance at close range but Australian goalkeeper Magnus McCausland handled it brilliantly. In the tenth minute, Aamir Ali’s powerful long-range shot was cleverly deflected on goal by Gurjot, but McCausland again blocked it. Australia got the first penalty corner of the match in the 13th minute and Ian Grobbelaar (13th minute) converted it to make the score 1-0. They were awarded another penalty corner just before the end of the quarter, but a brilliant performance from Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh kept it out. The Indian team started the second quarter in great style, winning two consecutive penalty corners. In the second quarter, Anmol Ekka’s sharp shot from the left side past McCausland (17th minute) earned India a 1-1 draw. The Indian defense remained strong against the Australian attack. They were awarded two more penalty corners just before the break, but Arijit’s shot failed to put them ahead on both occasions. A brilliant move from India started the third quarter. A long pass from Prioberta Talem found the ball to Amir Ali on the left flank, but his close range effort led to another penalty corner that went unfulfilled. Neither team made any attempts to score for the rest of the quarter, and Australia earned three penalty corners themselves. Minutes before the horn, Arijit made a quick and dangerous run but his shot missed by inches. At the start of the last quarter, Ajit Yadav gained possession in a dangerous area and moved forward, but with no support around, his shot went wide. Once the atmosphere in the match became tense, India launched a tremendous attack. Rohit went close for India on his eighth penalty corner of the night but missed the target. Grobbelaar gave Australia the title by scoring a goal from a penalty corner (59th minute). –IANS SUIT