Indian junior men’s hockey team loses to Australia in Sultan of Johor Cup final

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New Delhi: Indian junior men’s hockey team fought very hard throughout the tournament but failed to carry on the momentum in the final match of the Sultan of Johor Cup. India conceded a late goal and wasted as many as six penalty corners towards the end to go down 1-2 against Australia in the finale of the tournament.

The three-time champions India let in a 13th minute goal from Ian Grobbelaar before hitting back through Anmol Ekka (17th) in the second quarter to draw level. The match witnessed two goals in the first quarter and one more in the final moments of play as the second and third quarter was just full of players from both the sides trying to get an opportunity.

The contest remained evenly poised at 1-1 till the last moments before India allowed Grobbelaar to convert a penalty corner in the 59th minute to hand Australia their fourth title in the tournament. The final goal from Australia, which gave them the title, came just a minute away from the final hooter which made it heartbreaking for the Indian side.

India waste six PCs

India earned six consecutive penalty corners in the final minute but converted none, with Australia goalkeeper Magnus McCausland making some fine saves. By virtue of the defeat, India claimed their fifth silver at the Sultan of Johor Cup, bettering their consecutive bronze medal finishes in the past two editions.

Meanwhile, Australia broke their streak of losing three finals as they had lost to India in 2022 and avenged the loss three years ago. Beginning on a promising note, India failed to capitalize on the brilliant start towards the end as they seem to lose the plot. Maximum possession was in the hands of India in the early minutes of the play which slowly got transferred to Australia.