The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team began their Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 campaign on a winning note, defeating Great Britain 3–2 in a pulsating contest at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Saturday.
Captain Rohit led from the front with a brace (45’, 52’), while Ravneet Singh (23’) opened India’s scoring. For Great Britain, Michael Royden (26’) and Kaden Draysey (46’) found the net. The first quarter was an even battle, with both sides showing attacking intent and energy. India earned their first penalty corner in the 13th minute but were denied by sharp defending from the British rushers. Despite several circle entries and crisp ball movement, India couldn’t find the breakthrough in the opening 15 minutes, as Great Britain held firm at the back.
India continued to press in the second quarter, and in the 16th minute, a pair of fine saves from the British goalkeeper prevented the men in blue from taking the lead. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 23rd minute through an excellent attacking move. Gurjot Singh made a marauding run down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint pass across the goalmouth, which Ravneet Singh finished deftly to put India 1–0 ahead.
However, Great Britain struck back almost immediately. In the 26th minute, captain Max Anderson initiated a swift counterattack from the right before assisting Michael Royden, who found the top left corner with a clinical finish to restore parity. By half-time, the contest remained finely balanced — India recorded 10 circle entries to Great Britain’s nine, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the tie.
Captain Rohit delivers when it matters
The intensity continued into the third quarter, though clear-cut chances were hard to come by. Both teams maintained defensive discipline, with midfield duels dominating proceedings. In the 45th minute, Great Britain earned a penalty corner, but Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh produced a crucial save to keep the score level. Moments later, India earned a penalty corner of their own just before the quarter ended. Captain Rohit seized the opportunity, executing a brilliant drag-flick to beat the goalkeeper right on the hooter and give India a 2–1 advantage.
But Great Britain hit back almost immediately at the start of the final quarter. A penalty stroke in the 46th minute was calmly converted by Kaden Draysey, bringing the match back to 2–2.
Unfazed by the setback, India pushed hard for a winner and were rewarded for their persistence. The team earned three successive penalty corners in quick succession in the 50th, 51st, and 52nd minutes. After missing the first two opportunities, Rohit once again showcased his composure and accuracy, finding the back of the net with a powerful drag-flick to seal the victory. India’s structured build-up play and sharp execution in penalty corners ultimately made the difference in a closely fought encounter.
With this win, India have made a confident start to their Sultan of Johor Cup campaign and will aim to carry the momentum forward when they face New Zealand next, on Sunday, October 12, at 1:35 PM IST.
Final Score:
🇮🇳 India 3 (Ravneet Singh 23’, Rohit 45’, 52’)
🇬🇧 Great Britain 2 (Michael Royden 26’, Kaden Draysey 46’)
