At the 13th Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, the Indian junior men’s hockey team once again reaffirmed their place among the sport’s elite youth programs but also highlighted how close, yet so far, they remain from perfect execution.
The Blue Colts, under head coach PR Sreejesh and captain Rohit, finished runners-up after a narrow 1–2 loss to Australia in the final on October 18.
It was India’s eighth final appearance at the prestigious under-21 event since its inception in 2011, and their fifth silver medal overall evidence of both continuity and the narrow margins separating silver from gold. This edition, though, carried special weight: it served as the team’s final preparatory phase before the FIH Junior World Cup 2025, set to take place in Chennai and Madurai in late November.
India’s campaign began with a sense of purpose. Their 3–2 win over Great Britain in the opener showcased quick transitions and leadership composure from captain Rohit, who struck twice from penalty corners in the final quarter. It was a fitting statement of intent, followed by another fluent display against New Zealand, which India won 4–2 thanks to goals from Arshdeep Singh, PB Sunil, Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Rosan Kujur.
By the third match, against Pakistan, the team’s resilience took center stage. Trailing 0–2, India mounted a stunning comeback with goals from Hundal (43’), Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (47’), and Manmeet Singh (53’), briefly leading 3–2 before Pakistan equalized in the dying minutes. The pulsating 3–3 draw kept India unbeaten and underscored their fighting DNA.
A 2–4 loss to Australia in the fourth match, however, exposed defensive cracks. Despite Rohit’s early goal, Australia’s counterattacks ripped through India’s structure, scoring three times in four minutes. India’s ability to dominate possession over 60% in most matches couldn’t mask issues in transition defense.
The group stage concluded with a tense 2–1 win over hosts Malaysia, secured by Kushwaha’s precise drag-flick, which ensured India’s passage into the final. Yet, that championship clash against Australia would once again prove agonizing.
In the final, Australia struck first through Ian Grobbelaar (13’), before Anmol Ekka leveled with a thunderous drag-flick (17’). The contest stayed tight until the 59th minute, when Grobbelaar converted his second penalty corner. In the final minute, India won six consecutive penalty corners and missed them all.
Australia’s goalkeeper Magnus McCausland, later named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament, stood tall to deny every attempt, sealing a third SOJC crown for the Kookaburras.
For India, it was another silver but one rich in lessons.
Where It Fell Apart: Penalty Corners and Transition Defense
India’s penalty corner inefficiency was the single biggest factor separating them from gold. Across the tournament, the team converted just 7 of 47 PCs a 14.9% success rate far below the elite global average of 30–35%.
In the final, the problem reached its peak. Despite dominating set-piece chances, India failed to breach McCausland’s defense even once in six consecutive attempts. Australia, conversely, scored from one of their two late corners a direct reflection of composure and adaptability under pressure.
The issue wasn’t just execution; it was predictability. India relied heavily on primary drag-flick routines without introducing sufficient variations like slips or deflections. Australia’s rushers, well-drilled and anticipating India’s main flickers, neutralized the threat with ease. Equally concerning was India’s vulnerability during transitions. In both the group-stage loss and the final against Australia, quick turnovers exposed gaps in defensive shape particularly on the weak side.
The three goals conceded in four minutes during the 2–4 defeat were symptomatic of slow recovery speed and positional disorganization after losing possession high up the field. While India’s attacking structure emphasized fluidity and overloads, their inability to reorganize defensively left them open against fast countering teams like Australia and Pakistan.
The Strengths: Fight, Flair, and a Foundation for the Future
If the silver medal was built on any single virtue, it was resilience. India’s ability to rally from deficits especially the comeback against Pakistan reflected the strong psychological conditioning introduced by PR Sreejesh.
Sreejesh, transitioning from a legendary goalkeeping career to coaching, emphasized mental toughness and “controlled aggression.” His methods included introducing leadership journaling and team discussions focused on accountability and composure under stress. The result: a squad that doesn’t crumble when trailing, but fights back a trait invaluable ahead of the Junior World Cup.
Leadership, too, shone brightly. Captain Rohit not only anchored the defense but contributed three goals through penalty corners, embodying consistency and calm. Anmol Ekka’s strike in the final, Kushwaha’s drag-flicks, and Hundal’s adaptability as a link between midfield and forward lines added attacking depth.
Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh also emerged as a standout performer, with crucial saves against both Great Britain and Australia ensuring India remained competitive in every match.
India’s offensive metrics double-digit circle penetrations per game and high possession percentages confirmed their capability to dominate territory and tempo. The next step lies in translating that dominance into ruthlessness.
With the FIH Junior World Cup just weeks away, Hockey India has a narrow but vital window to address these deficiencies.
- Penalty Corner Revamp: The focus must shift from repetition to adaptive decision-making. Flickers like Kushwaha, Rohit, and Ekka need drills simulating defensive pressure, forcing them to decide between variations in real-time. Integrating goalkeeper analysis into training studying tendencies of top keepers can also refine accuracy and deception.
- Transition Defense: Immediate structural reorganization after turnovers must become second nature. Defensive drills replicating 5v4 or 6v5 counter situations should be routine, improving recovery speed and spatial control. Sreejesh’s emphasis on communication can ensure better coordination between defenders and retreating midfielders during these moments.
- Game Closure Drills: India’s late-game lapses, including conceding to Pakistan (55’) and Australia (59’), point to a lack of situational strategy. Introducing specialized “last five-minute” tactical sessions prioritizing compact formations and safe possession will be crucial for protecting narrow leads under pressure.
- High-Performance Analytics Integration: Using video analytics to assess PC technique (foot placement, release angle) and defensive reaction time can provide objective data to correct technical errors. This data-driven feedback loop must now guide every training block.
India’s silver at Johor wasn’t a setback it was a springboard. It validated the depth of talent emerging from the junior system while exposing the gaps that separate good from great.
With players like Rohit, Hundal, and Kushwaha showing leadership and technical maturity, the pipeline to the senior setup looks strong. Hockey India must now ensure these players transition seamlessly after the Junior World Cup, maintaining developmental momentum.
In the searing heat of Johor Bahru, India’s young brigade didn’t just win silver — they earned belief. The foundation is firm, the fight undeniable, and the future unmistakably golden.
Final Standings Sultan of Johor Cup 2025:
🥇 Australia
🥈 India
🥉 Great Britain
4️⃣ Pakistan
5️⃣ Malaysia
6️⃣ New Zealand
India’s Key Scorers:
- Rohit (3)
- Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (2)
- Anmol Ekka (1)
- Araijeet Singh Hundal (1)
- Arshdeep Singh (1)
Head Coach: PR Sreejesh
