~ India opened the scoring through Gurjot Singh (22′), while Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48′) scored the winner ~
Johor, Malaysia, October 17, 2025: The Indian junior men’s hockey team put in a fine performance as they defeated Malaysia 2-1 in their final pool match of the ongoing Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor, Malaysia. The win sees India advance to the final of the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup, where they will face Australia. Against Malaysia, India opened the scoring through Gurjot Singh (22′), while Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48′) scored the winner. For Malaysia, Naaveenesh Panicker (43′) found the back of the net.
With a view to qualifying for the finals, the Indian junior men’s hockey team started off with a lead against Malaysia. The Indian attackers looked sharp and attacked in waves, putting pressure on the hosts. However, Malaysia did not sit back and attack, but the Indian defense held firm. However, neither side could break the deadlock towards the end of the first quarter, with the teams going into the breathing space at 0-0.
Malaysia got the first attack of the second quarter early, but immediately afterwards India roared back with a series of attacks and also hit the crossbar. Malaysia were pinned back in their own half and the pressure finally paid off as Gurjot Singh (22′) found the back of the net from a rebound from a Penalty Corner. From then on, India had the lion’s share of the ball and Malaysia continued to play catch-up. India went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
After the break, India came out of the blocks at good speed, but hosts Malaysia started to fight back. Although India controlled the tempo of the match for most of the quarter, Malaysia’s efforts still turned the match on its head and they found the equalizer. With just over two minutes to go, Naaveenesh Panicker scored (43′), making it 1-1 and setting up an exciting final quarter.
India and Malaysia started the last quarter with great enthusiasm. And it was India who took the lead again, when Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48′) tapped in the ball from close range to give his team a 2-1 lead. Then the Malaysians turned the table in search of the equalizer. And although there were some good attacks for Malaysia, India, who traditionally dominate the hosts in this competition, managed to win the match 2-1.
India will next play Australia on October 18 at 605 PM IST.
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