Johor (Malaysia), Oct 14 (NationPress) The Indian junior men’s hockey team showcased remarkable resilience in a gripping 3–3 draw against Pakistan during their third group-stage clash at the ongoing Sultan of Johor Cup 2025.

In a match filled with dramatic swings, India managed to recover from a two-goal deficit to take the lead, only for Pakistan to respond late and secure a share of the points. The outcome ensures that India remains unbeaten in the tournament.

For India, goals were scored by Araijeet Singh Hundal (43’), Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (47’), and Manmeet Singh (53’), while Hannan Shahid (5’) and Sufyan Khan (39’, 55’) found the net for Pakistan.

The Indian side began strongly, dominating possession and creating early circle penetrations that kept Pakistan under pressure. They were awarded a penalty corner in just the third minute, but failed to capitalize.

Against the run of play, Pakistan struck first through a swift counterattack, earning a penalty stroke shortly after. Captain Hannan Shahid (5’) confidently converted, placing the ball low to the right of the goalkeeper, giving his team an early edge. Energized by this breakthrough, Pakistan started to gain momentum, linking passes effectively and launching threatening attacks into the Indian circle. They nearly extended their lead with another penalty corner in the 10th minute but could not convert.

India persisted, pressing hard for the equalizer and testing Pakistan’s defense with speed and precision. However, the first quarter concluded with Pakistan leading 1–0.

Pakistan commenced the second quarter with an aggressive attack, earning another penalty corner. Yet, the Indian defense held strong, denying them the chance to extend their lead. India faced a setback when Anmol Ekka received a yellow card for a sliding tackle in the 20th minute, forcing them to play a man down for the rest of the quarter.

Despite being a player short, the Indian team displayed commendable discipline and composure. They not only thwarted Pakistan's attempts to capitalize but also continued to challenge their defense with quick transitions and clever passing. However, they could not find the equalizer, as Pakistan held onto their narrow 1–0 lead at half-time.

With determination, India started the third quarter intent on regaining control of the match, focusing on possession and building measured attacks.

Pakistan, remaining committed to their counterattacking strategy, doubled their lead when Sufyan Khan (39’) converted a penalty corner, putting more pressure on the Indian side.

Refusing to succumb, India continued to attack and was rewarded late in the quarter. With less than three minutes left, they earned a penalty stroke, which Araijeet Singh Hundal (43’) converted confidently to reduce the deficit and keep the match alive. The third quarter ended with Pakistan ahead 2–1.

The final quarter commenced with Pakistan earning an early penalty corner, but the Indian defense stood firm. Shortly after, India turned the momentum around as Sourabh Anand Kushwaha (47’) scored a beautifully placed shot to level the match. Gaining confidence from the equalizer, the Indian team adopted a more aggressive approach, putting Pakistan on the defensive.

Their persistence bore fruit in the 53rd minute when Manmeet Singh scored, giving India the lead for the first time. However, the advantage was short-lived as Sufyan Khan (55’) converted another penalty corner to equalize once more. Both teams pressed hard for a winner in the final minutes, but neither could secure the victory, resulting in a thrilling 3–3 draw.

India's next match is against Australia on October 15 at 06:05 PM IST.