Johor (Malaysia), Oct 18 (NationPress) The Indian junior men’s hockey team showcased a commendable performance but ultimately fell short, losing 1-2 to Australia in the Final of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor, Malaysia, on Saturday.

India found themselves trailing early as Australia scored in the 13th minute, but quickly equalized with a goal from Anmol Ekka (17’) early in the second quarter. The match remained tightly contested until the dying moments, when Ian Grobbelaar (59’) scored from a late penalty corner, securing the championship for Australia.

The Blue Colts started strong, displaying effective ball movement with crisp, short passes that garnered them possession in the opening minutes. Their first significant opportunity arose within five minutes when a swift exchange between Araijeet Singh Hundal and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha set up Gurjot Singh for a close shot, which was expertly denied by Australian goalkeeper Magnus McCausland.

At the ten-minute mark, a powerful shot from Amir Ali was deftly redirected by Gurjot, but once again, McCausland was up to the task, making another crucial save.

Australia earned the first penalty corner of the match at the 13-minute mark, and Grobbelaar (13’) converted it skillfully to give Australia a 1-0 lead. They were awarded another penalty corner just before the quarter ended, but Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh made an outstanding save to keep his team in the game.

The second quarter saw the Blue Colts come out with determination, winning two penalty corners in quick succession. The breakthrough arrived when Anmol Ekka struck fiercely to the left of McCausland (17’), leveling the score at 1-1.

While the Indian defense held strong against the Australian onslaught, India continued to press forward, creating additional chances. They earned two more penalty corners just before halftime, but Araijeet’s powerful attempts failed to find the back of the net.

A fantastic play opened the third quarter; a long pass from Priyobarta Talem found Amir Ali deep on the left flank, but his close-range attempt resulted in a penalty corner that went unfinished.

Both teams pressed hard for a goal throughout the remainder of the quarter, with Australia winning three penalty corners of their own. Minutes before the end of the quarter, Araijeet made a swift break, but his shot went inches wide.

In the final quarter, Ajit Yadav seized possession in a threatening area and surged forward, but without support, his shot went astray. India attacked with urgency, and Rohit came close on India's eighth penalty corner of the night, narrowly missing the target.

Australia capitalized on their penalty corner opportunities, with Grobbelaar (59’) converting again to push the Kookaburras ahead in the final moments of the match. India then had their chance at a comeback, taking several penalty corner shots in the last minute, but the equalizer remained elusive for the Blue Colts.