Sultan of Johor Cup Final (@TheHockeyIndia on X) The Indian junior hockey team suffered a 1-2 defeat against Australia in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup. In the match, India conceded a late goal and missed six penalty corners in the closing moments.Australian Ian Grobbelaar opened the scoring in the 13th minute. During the second quarter, Indian Anmol Ekka equalized in the 17th minute.The match was tied until Grobbelaar scored again from a penalty corner in the 59th minute to secure Australia’s fourth tournament title.India had six consecutive penalty corner opportunities in the final minute, but failed to convert any thanks to brilliant saves from Australian goalkeeper Magnus McCausland.The silver medal is India’s fifth at the Sultan of Johor Cup, bettering their bronze medals from the previous two editions.Australia finally snapped a streak of three consecutive finals losses and avenged India’s 2022 defeat.The Indian team started strongly with short, accurate passing and dominated early possession. They created their first significant chance within five minutes when Araijeet Singh Hundal and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha set up Gurjot Singh, but McCausland struck.McCausland also saved Amir Ali’s sharp shot, which was deflected by Gurjot, in the 10th minute.Australia secured their first goal from a penalty corner, but Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh prevented another goal from a second penalty corner.India started the second quarter aggressively and won two quick penalty corners. Anmol Ekka’s successful strike leveled the score at 1-1.Despite a strong defensive performance, India continued to attack and earned two more penalty corners before half time. However, Araijeet’s powerful shots failed to find the target.In the third quarter, India created more opportunities, including a penalty corner from Priyobart Talem’s long pass to Amir Ali. Australia also earned three penalty corners during this period.In the final quarter, Ajit Yadav attempted a solo attempt which went wide. Rohit came close with India’s eighth penalty corner but narrowly missed.Australia capitalized on their opportunity from a penalty corner as Grobbelaar scored to take the lead in the 59th minute.Despite conceding six penalty corners in the final minute, India could not find an equalizer, leading to a silver medal.
