The India U21 men’s hockey team showcased remarkable fight and composure as they battled back from two goals down to hold Pakistan to a 3–3 draw in a pulsating Sultan of Johor Cup encounter at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
In a match that had everything momentum swings, clinical finishing, and high drama both teams walked away with a point each, keeping India’s unbeaten run in the tournament alive.
For India, Araijeet Singh Hundal (43’), Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (47’), and Manmeet Singh (53’) found the net, while Pakistan’s goals came from Hannan Shahid (5’) and Sufyan Khan (39’, 55’).
Pakistan Strike First in Fast Start
India began the game on the front foot, dictating tempo and creating early circle penetrations that had Pakistan under pressure. A penalty corner in the third minute offered the first real chance, but the execution fell short. Pakistan, however, punished India’s early profligacy almost immediately.
Against the run of play, a swift counterattack earned Pakistan a penalty stroke, which captain Hannan Shahid coolly converted in the 5th minute to make it 1–0. The goal gave Pakistan momentum as they began stringing together quick passes and probing India’s defence with long aerial balls and overlaps from the flanks.
India continued to press forward through the efforts of Araijeet Hundal and Sourabh Kushwaha, creating several chances but failing to find the finishing touch. The first quarter ended 1–0 in favour of Pakistan despite India’s superior possession.
The second quarter began with Pakistan looking sharper, forcing another penalty corner early on. However, the Indian backline, led by captain Rohit, stood firm. The intensity of the contest was evident when Anmol Ekka received a yellow card for a sliding tackle in the 20th minute, reducing India to ten men for the remainder of the quarter.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, India’s structure and discipline prevented Pakistan from extending their lead. Goalkeeper Mohith showed excellent reflexes to deny two quick chances, ensuring India stayed within touching distance. The half ended with Pakistan leading 1–0 but India clearly growing into the contest.
Pakistan Extend Lead, India Begin Fightback
The third quarter opened with India showing urgency, maintaining long spells of possession and pressing high. But Pakistan’s counterattacking efficiency proved dangerous once again. In the 39th minute, Sufyan Khan converted from a penalty corner, doubling Pakistan’s advantage and putting India under serious pressure at 2–0.
That goal, however, sparked India into life. Determined not to go down without a fight, the Indian colts intensified their attacks. Their persistence was rewarded when they earned a penalty stroke in the 43rd minute. Araijeet Singh Hundal, India’s most reliable striker at this level, stepped up and calmly slotted home to make it 2–1 injecting belief and energy into the side.
The final quarter saw India at their attacking best. Within four minutes of the restart, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (47’) pounced on a rebound inside the circle to fire home the equaliser, bringing India back level at 2–2. The momentum had completely shifted by now, with India controlling play and pushing Pakistan deep into their half.
The comeback was complete in the 53rd minute when Manmeet Singh capitalised on a loose ball in the goalmouth to give India a 3–2 lead a remarkable turnaround from being 0–2 down just minutes earlier. The Indian bench erupted, sensing a statement win against their arch-rivals.
But the joy was short-lived. Pakistan earned a penalty corner two minutes later, and Sufyan Khan once again made it count, scoring his second goal of the night to draw level at 3–3.
Honours Even in a High-Intensity Clash
The final moments saw end-to-end action, with both sides desperate for a winner. India came close through Araijeet and Manmeet, while Pakistan forced another penalty corner in the dying seconds only for the Indian defence to stand tall and preserve the draw.
When the final whistle blew, players from both teams exchanged handshakes, knowing they had just played one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far.
For India, the draw not only showcased their mental toughness and character but also underlined their attacking depth, with three different scorers contributing to the comeback.
Coach’s Reflection and What Lies Ahead
Head coach will take plenty of positives from the performance particularly the resilience shown by his side after trailing 0–2. The team’s structured build-up play, improved penalty corner defence, and ability to maintain composure under pressure were encouraging signs.
However, the lapses that allowed Pakistan easy counterattacking opportunities will remain an area of concern as India prepare for their next group match.
The result means India stay unbeaten in the tournament and remain in contention for a semifinal spot. Their next challenge comes against Australia on October 15 at 6:05 PM IST, a game that could define their campaign.
In a fixture that always carries extra weight, India and Pakistan once again delivered a classic a game that was not just about goals and tactics but also about pride, belief, and youthful spirit.
Final Score: India 3–3 Pakistan
Scorers (India): Araijeet Singh Hundal (43’), Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (47’), Manmeet Singh (53’)
Scorers (Pakistan): Hannan Shahid (5’), Sufyan Khan (39’, 55’)
