~ Anmol Ekka (17′) scored India’s only goal, while Ian Grobbelaar (13′, 59′) struck twice for Australia ~
~The Blue Colts claimed their fifth silver medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup, improving on their consecutive bronze medals from the past two editions~
Johor, Malaysia, October 18, 2025: The Indian junior men’s hockey team put up a fighting performance but fell 1-2 to Australia in the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup final in Johor, Malaysia. India conceded in the 13th minute before hitting back through Anmol Ekka (17′) to draw level early in the second quarter. The match remained evenly matched until the final moments, when Ian Grobbelaar (59′) converted a late penalty corner to seal the title for Australia.
India started promisingly, moving the ball with short, sharp passes that gave them the majority of possession in the early exchanges. Their first big chance came within the opening five minutes when a quick give-and-go between Araijeet Singh Hundal and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha set up Gurjot Singh from close range, but Australian goalkeeper Magnus McCausland dealt with it well. After ten minutes, Amir Ali’s powerful long shot was cleverly deflected by Gurjot, but McCausland was able to parry it again.
Australia earned the first penalty corner of the match in the 13th minute, and Ian Grobbelaar (13′) converted it with precision to make it 1-0. They won a penalty corner just before the end of the quarter, but excellent work from Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh kept them out.
The Blue Colts started the second quarter with intent, winning two penalty corners in quick succession. The breakthrough came after the second, when Anmol Ekka’s (17′) fiery strike down McCauland’s left drew India level at 1-1. As the Indian defense held firm against the Australian attack, India continued to push forward, creating more chances. Just before half-time, the team had two more penalty corners, but Araijeet’s thunderous goal could not take the lead either time.
A brilliant move from India opened the third quarter; a long pass from Priyobarta Talem found Amir Ali deep on the left flank, but his attempt from close range resulted in another penalty corner that was not completed. Neither side relented in their pursuit of goal for the remainder of the quarter, with Australia winning three penalty corners of their own. Minutes before the horn, Araijeet escaped with a quick, threatening run, but his shot was inches wide.
Early in the final quarter, Ajit Yadav stole possession in a dangerous area and charged forward, but with no support around him his shot went wide. India attacked with venom as a sense of urgency enveloped the game. Rohit came close to India’s eighth penalty corner of the evening, but missed his target by a few centimeters.
More chances fell for Australia through penalty corners, and Grobbelaar (59′) converted again to put the Kookaburra ahead in the dying heat of the match. It was India’s turn to try to make the most of the set pieces. India took a series of shots from penalty corners in the final minute, but the equalizer eluded the Blue Colts.