Did India Face a 2–4 Defeat Against Australia at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's junior men's hockey team faced a 2-4 defeat against Australia.
- Captain Rohit and Arshdeep Singh scored for India.
- Australia's Oscar Sproule was instrumental with 2 goals.
- The match featured intense competition and key moments.
- India's next match is against Malaysia on Friday.
Johor (Malaysia), Oct 16 (NationPress) The Indian junior men’s hockey team encountered a 2-4 loss to Australia during their fourth pool-stage match of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor, Malaysia. Indian captain Rohit (22') and Arshdeep Singh (60') netted goals for the Blue Colts, while Australia's scoring came from Oscar Sproule (39', 42'), Andrew Patrick (40'), and Captain Dylan Downey (51').
The initial quarter showcased a competitive battle, with India controlling possession and setting the pace. Australia nearly scored early on, but a stunning save from Prince Deep Singh kept the match scoreless as the Blue Colts maintained their composure in the first half.
In the second quarter, India secured its first penalty corner in the 17th minute; however, Anmol Ekka's flick soared over the goal. In the 22nd minute, another penalty corner led to a successful conversion by Captain Rohit (22'), who executed a low strike past the defenders and into the net. Amir Ali almost extended the lead in the 25th minute with a solo run and a long-range shot that was saved by the Australian goalkeeper.
The third quarter saw Australia shift momentum, scoring three consecutive goals to take charge of the match. The equalizer came in the 39th minute through a well-coordinated attack from the right flank, with Oscar Sproule (39') finishing at the far post. Just a minute later, a deflected penalty corner allowed Andrew Patrick (40’) to score, followed shortly by Sproule's second goal (42') with a powerful back-hand shot.
India attempted to respond with a penalty corner in the 49th minute, but Captain Rohit's flick missed the target. Australia then capitalized on their fifth penalty corner, with Captain Dylan Downey (51') increasing their lead. In the final moments, Arshdeep Singh deflected a shot into the goal, scoring India's second goal of the match.
India's next challenge will be against Malaysia on Friday.