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India's Junior Hockey Triumph: Defeating Malaysia to Reach Johor Cup Final

The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team delivered an impressive performance against Malaysia in their final pool-stage match. They secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory with goals from Gurjot Singh and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha. Despite Malaysia's equalizer in the third quarter, India maintained composure and reclaimed the lead. This win propels India into the tournament final where they will face Australia on October 18.

Key Points: Indian Junior Hockey Team Beats Malaysia Reaches Johor Cup Final

  • India secured victory with goals from Gurjot Singh and Sourabh Kushwaha
  • Malaysian equalizer from Naaveenesh Panicker set up thrilling final quarter
  • Indian defense held strong against Malaysia's late attacking pressure
  • Team advances to face Australia in Sultan of Johor Cup final
2 min read

India defeat Malaysia, progress to final of Sultan of Johor Cup

Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team defeats Malaysia 2-1 in Sultan of Johor Cup, advances to final against Australia with goals from Gurjot Singh and Sourabh Kushwaha.

"India, who have traditionally dominated the hosts in this competition, held on to win the contest 2-1. - Match Report"

Johor, October 17

The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team produced a fine performance, as they defeated Malaysia 2-1 in their final pool-stage match of the ongoing Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor, Malaysia.

The win takes India into the final of the tournament, where they will face Australia. Against Malaysia, India opened the scoring through Gurjot Singh (22'), while Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48') scored the winner. For Malaysia, Naaveenesh Panicker (43') found the back of the net.

With one eye on qualification for the final, the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team started out on the front foot against Malaysia. The Indian forwards looked sharp and were attacking in waves, putting the hosts under pressure. Malaysia however did not sit back and attacked, but India's defence held tight. Neither side though could break the deadlock by the end of the first quarter, with the teams going into the breather locked at 0-0.

Malaysia got the first attack of the second quarter early on, but right after India roared back with a flurry of attacks, and hit the crossbar as well. Malaysia were pinned back in their half, and the pressure eventually paid off, as Gurjot Singh (22') found the back of the net from a rebound off a Penalty Corner. From then onwards, India had the lion's share of the possession, and Malaysia continued to play catch-up. India went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.

After the break, India came out of the blocks at good speed, but hosts Malaysia were starting to fight back. Even though India controlled the tempo of the game for the major part of the quarter, Malaysia's efforts did turn the game on its head, as they found the equaliser. With a little over two minutes to go, Naaveenesh Panicker (43') scored, to make it 1-1 and set up a thrilling final quarter.

India and Malaysia began the final quarter with a lot of enthusiasm. And it was India who got their noses out in front again, as Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (48') tapped it home from close range, giving his team a 2-1 lead. After that, the Malaysians threw the kitchen sink as they went in search of an equaliser. And even though there were a couple of good attacks for Malaysia, India, who have traditionally dominated the hosts in this competition, held on to win the contest 2-1.

India will next play Australia on October 18.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Great performance by our junior team! But we need to work on maintaining possession after scoring. Against Australia, we can't afford to let them come back like Malaysia did.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows hockey closely, I must say the penalty corner conversion rate needs improvement. But overall, a well-deserved victory! The boys showed great character.
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Arjun K
Waah! Kya match tha! The way Sourabh tapped in that winner was pure class. Australia better be ready for our young guns tomorrow! 💪
M
Michael C
Impressive display by the Indian team. The forwards were particularly sharp today. Looking forward to the final against Australia - should be a cracking match!
A
Ananya R
So proud of our boys! They played with so much heart. The defense was solid when it mattered most. All the best for the final! Bring the cup home! 🏆

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