The Indian junior men's hockey team began its campaign in the Sultan of Johor Cup with a 4-2 win over Japan in Johor on Saturday.
The India junior men's hockey team roared back after conceding two early goals to clinch a thrilling 3-3 draw against Pakistan in their third group-stage match of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025.
They got as many as nine penalty corners in the first two quarters but converted just one.
After the national anthems, players from both sides lined up and high-fived each other before they moved into their designated half.
Lose to title holders Germany 1-5 in semifinals
Ian Grobbelaar struck twice, including a decisive penalty corner in the dying minutes, as Australia pipped India 2-1 to win their third Sultan of Johor Cup under-21 hockey title in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Saturday.
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Amir Ali has been named captain, with Rohit as his deputy, in the 18-member junior hockey squad for the Sultan of Johor Cup that will mark the first assignment for head coach PR Sreejesh in Malaysia from October 19.
After the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time, strikers Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh, and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha converted their penalties in the tense shootout, while Bikramjit made three outstanding saves to secure victory against New Zealand.
The win propelled India to the second position in Pool C, enough to earn them a last eight berth.
Asian champions India are placed in Pool C alongside Canada, South Korea and Spain. They start their tournament campaign against Korea on December 5.
Indian colts' victory was backed by a grand show of character to hold off pressure from the Dutch side, and the cynosure of India's defence was Rohit who was hard to breach -- he blocked away six successive penalty corners in the final quarter ensuring India emerge victorious. He was awarded player of the match for his efforts.
