Can India Continue Their Winning Streak After a 3-2 Victory Over Great Britain?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's strong start in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025.
- Captain Rohit proves instrumental with crucial goals.
- Resilience shown by both teams throughout the match.
- Upcoming challenge against New Zealand.
- Great Britain's solid defense despite the loss.
Johor Bahru, Oct 11 (NationPress) The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team commenced their Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 journey with a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Great Britain at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Saturday.
Goals from Captain Rohit (45+', 52') and Ravneet Singh (23') secured the win for India, while Michael Royden (26') and Kaden Draysey (46') found the net for Great Britain.
The first quarter showcased a thrilling end-to-end display of hockey, though neither side managed to score. India earned their first penalty corner in the 13th minute, but Great Britain's defenders thwarted the attempt. Despite several promising circle entries and attempts on goal, Great Britain's defense stood strong.
Another penalty corner came India's way in the 16th minute, but the Great Britain goalkeeper made a series of impressive saves. A near-miss in the 22nd minute saw Manmeet Singh's shot cleared off the line by Great Britain's defense. However, India soon broke the deadlock.
In the 23rd minute, Gurjot Singh made a powerful run into the circle and delivered a pass through the Great Britain defense to Ravneet Singh, who skillfully finished into the net. Great Britain quickly responded in the 26th minute, with Captain Max Anderson assisting Michael Royden to equalize.
By halftime, India had made 10 circle entries to Great Britain's nine, reflecting the competitive nature of the match.
The third quarter began slowly, with both teams exchanging possession, but their defenses remained resolute.
In the 45th minute, Great Britain earned a penalty corner but failed to capitalize due to a brilliant save by Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh. Moments later, India earned a penalty corner, and Captain Rohit (45'+) seized the opportunity, scoring a stunning dragflick just as the buzzer sounded, reclaiming the lead.
Great Britain was awarded a penalty stroke in the 46th minute, successfully converted by Kaden Draysey to level the score once more. India then won three consecutive penalty corners in the 50th, 51st, and 52nd minutes, but could not convert the first two. However, Captain Rohit (52') delivered a spectacular strike in the final attempt, securing the win for India.
Next up, India will take on New Zealand this Sunday.