The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team booked their place in the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 after edging past hosts Malaysia 2–1 in a gripping final pool-stage clash on Friday.
Goals from Gurjot Singh (22’) and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48’) sealed the win for India, while Naaveenesh Panicker (43’) scored the lone goal for Malaysia. With the result, India not only finished among the top two in the standings but also confirmed their spot in the Sultan of Johor Cup final for the eighth time. The young Indian side will now take on Australia a repeat of the 2022 title clash that India won in what promises to be a high-octane encounter.
Needing a win to secure a place in the final, India started the match with purpose. The forwards pressed high and looked to unsettle the Malaysian defence right from the outset. Their fast passing and quick rotations kept Malaysia on their toes, but despite the early dominance, clear-cut chances were few and far between in the first quarter. Malaysia, buoyed by home support, managed to carve out a few counterattacking opportunities of their own, but the Indian backline, led by a disciplined defensive unit, stood firm. The opening 15 minutes ended goalless, with both teams testing each other’s resolve but failing to find the back of the net.
Gurjot Opens the Scoring
India began the second quarter on the offensive once again, showing more urgency in their attacks. A couple of close chances went begging, including a strike that rattled the crossbar, before the sustained pressure finally yielded results. In the 22nd minute, Gurjot Singh reacted quickest to a rebound from a penalty corner to slot home the opener and give India a deserved 1–0 lead.
The goal gave India the confidence to dictate the tempo. Their midfield, anchored by sharp ball distribution and intelligent positioning, maintained control as Malaysia struggled to regain momentum. The hosts were forced deeper into their half as India enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. By halftime, the visitors looked in control, holding a slender but vital one-goal advantage. The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Malaysia came out determined to find an equaliser.
The hosts began to match India’s intensity and started to threaten the Indian circle more frequently. India’s goalkeeper was called into action to parry away a dangerous attempt, but Malaysia’s persistence eventually paid off. In the 43rd minute, Naaveenesh Panicker latched on to a loose ball inside the Indian circle and fired home to make it 1–1, setting up a tense final period. The goal sparked loud cheers from the home crowd, and for a brief moment, Malaysia looked capable of turning the game around.
Kushwaha Delivers the Decisive Blow
With the scores level, both sides entered the final quarter knowing the next goal could decide their fate. India responded in style, regrouping quickly to reclaim control. In the 48th minute, their sustained pressure once again bore fruit when Sourabh Anand Kushwaha showed great awareness to tap in from close range after a swift attacking move, restoring India’s lead at 2–1.
The closing stages saw Malaysia throw everything forward in search of another equaliser. They earned a couple of penalty corners and created half-chances, but India’s defence held firm under pressure. The young Indians showcased composure, game management, and defensive discipline in the dying minutes to ensure the win.
This victory marks India’s eighth appearance in the Sultan of Johor Cup final, underlining their stature as one of the most successful sides in the tournament’s history. It will also be their first final appearance since the triumphant 2022 campaign, where they defeated Australia to lift the trophy. The 2025 edition has seen India display a strong blend of tactical maturity and attacking flair. Players like Gurjot Singh and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha have stepped up at crucial moments, while the team’s defensive organisation has been a key strength throughout the competition.
With Australia awaiting them in the final on October 18 at 6:05 PM IST, India will aim to replicate their 2022 success and lift the prestigious trophy once again.
Match Summary: Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 (U21 Men’s Hockey)
India 2–1 Malaysia
India’s mix of composure and clinical finishing ensured yet another final appearance in Johor. The defending champions from 2022 now stand one win away from reclaiming their crown.
