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Key Points

The Indian Junior Hockey Team continued their winning streak in the Sultan of Johor Cup with a convincing 4-2 victory over New Zealand. They got off to a flying start with Arshdeep Singh scoring in just the second minute of play. Despite New Zealand pulling back two goals in the second half, India's defense held strong under coach PR Sreejesh's guidance. The team now looks ahead to their crucial match against Pakistan on October 14.

Key Points: India Beat New Zealand 4-2 in Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey

  • Arshdeep Singh opened scoring in just the 2nd minute from a rebound
  • Sunil PB doubled India's lead with a clever PC variation in the 15th minute
  • Araijeet Singh Hundal scored India's third goal while unmarked in the circle
  • Roman Kumur's 47th-minute PC goal provided crucial cushion at 4-1
3 min read

Sultan of Johor Cup: India beat New Zealand 4-2

Indian Junior Hockey Team remains unbeaten with a 4-2 victory over New Zealand in the Sultan of Johor Cup, building on their opening win against Great Britain.

"We need to show a better defensive display. - PR Sreejesh"

Johor, October 12

India Colts remained unbeaten as they registered a comfortable 4-2 win against New Zealand in the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor, Malaysia, on Sunday.

Goals were scored by Arshdeep Singh (2'), PB Sunil (15'), Araijeet Singh Hundal (26') and Roman Kumur (47') for the winning side, while Gus Nelson (41') and Aidan Max (52') scored for New Zealand, as per a press release from Hockey India.

After getting off to a winning start to their campaign, beating Great Britain 3-2 in their opening match on Saturday, India Colts built on their momentum in their second match of the tournament with a solid start against New Zealand.

The opening goal for the Indian Junior Team came as early as the second minute of the first quarter, with Arshdeep Singh scoring from a loose ball after poor defending in the circle by New Zealand. He made a swift run in the circle from the right flank and took a shot on goal, but was initially saved by the New Zealand keeper, and managed to convert from the rebound.

India Colts were quick to double their lead in the final minute of the quarter when Sunil PB scored from a fine PC variation when dragflicker and captain of the side Rohit passed to Sunil. This was India's fourth attempt after the first three found the foot of the New Zealand first rusher. A low snapshot by Sunil was just about enough to find the back of the net.

In a comfortable 2-0 lead, India started the second quarter using the right combinations to create good attacking chances. They found an opportunity when Araijeet Singh Hundal who was unmarked in the circle, took a shot after a quick turnaround to take a successful shot on goal. The 26th-minute goal put India in a good position.

Though New Zealand finally broke the gridlock on the third quarter when Gus Nelson scored in the 41st minute narrowing India's lead to 3-1, Rosan Kumur scored in the 47th minute through a PC that gave India a 4-1 cushion in the final quarter.

Biden Max pulled one back for New Zealand in the 52nd minute and it went on to become quite an interesting final few minutes with New Zealand trying to claw their way back into the game but a resurgent Indian defence held strong. They played to the expectations of their coach, PR Sreejesh, who had expressed in the pre-match interview, stating, "We need to show a better defensive display."

India will next play Pakistan on October 14 at 1805 hours IST.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see our junior team performing so well internationally. The PC variations were particularly impressive. Though I must say, we conceded two goals which could have been avoided. Need tighter defense against stronger teams.
A
Arjun K
Wah! Four different goal scorers shows our team isn't dependent on any single player. This depth will be crucial in the upcoming matches. Coach Sreejesh's influence is clearly visible in their gameplay. 🏑
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows hockey across countries, I must say India's junior team is showing remarkable progress. The early goal pressure really unsettled New Zealand. Good to see Indian hockey rising again!
M
Meera T
The way they maintained composure in the final minutes when New Zealand was pushing hard shows great mental strength. These young players are the future of Indian hockey. All the best for Pakistan match! 💪
V
Vikram M
Solid performance overall, but we need to work on maintaining leads without conceding late goals. The 4-1 cushion becoming 4-2 created unnecessary pressure. Still, proud of our colts! 🇮🇳

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