~ Anmol Ekka (17’) scored India’s lone objective whereas Ian Grobbelaar (13’, 59’) struck twice for Australia ~
~ The Blue Colts claimed their fifth silver medal on the Sultan of Johor Cup, bettering their consecutive bronze medal finishes from the previous two editions ~
Johor, Malaysia, 18th October 2025: The Indian Junior Males’s Hockey Workforce produced a combating efficiency however went down 1-2 to Australia within the Closing of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor, Malaysia. India conceded within the thirteenth minute earlier than hitting again by way of Anmol Ekka (17’) early within the second quarter to attract stage. The competition remained evenly poised till the ultimate moments, when Ian Grobbelaar (59’) transformed a late penalty nook to seal the title for Australia.
India started on a promising be aware, transferring the ball round with brief, crisp passes that gave them the majority of possession within the early exchanges. Their first huge likelihood got here throughout the opening 5 minutes when a fast give-and-go between Araijeet Singh Hundal and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha arrange Gurjot Singh at shut vary, however Australian goalkeeper Magnus McCausland handled it properly. On the 10-minute mark, Amir Ali’s highly effective long-range shot was cleverly deflected goalward by Gurjot, just for McCausland to parry it away as soon as once more.
Australia earned the primary penalty nook of the match within the thirteenth minute, and Ian Grobbelaar (13’) transformed it with precision to make it 1-0. They gained one other penalty nook simply earlier than the tip of the quarter, however splendid work from Indian Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh saved them out.
The Blue Colts started the second quarter with intent, profitable two penalty corners in fast succession. The breakthrough got here off the second, as Anmol Ekka’s (17’) fiery strike to the left of McCausland introduced India stage at 1-1. Whereas the Indian defence held agency in opposition to the Australian assault, India continued to probe ahead, creating extra possibilities. They earned two extra penalty corners simply earlier than half-time, however Araijeet’s thunderous strike couldn’t discover the lead on both event.
A superb transfer by India opened the third quarter; a protracted move from Priyobarta Talem discovered Amir Ali deep on the left flank, however his close-range try resulted in one other penalty nook that went unfinished. Neither aspect relented of their pursuit of objective by way of the rest of the quarter, with Australia profitable three penalty corners of their very own. Minutes earlier than the hooter, Araijeet broke away on a swift, threatening run, however his shot was inches extensive.
Early within the closing quarter, Ajit Yadav stole possession in a harmful space and burst ahead, however with no help round him, his shot went extensive. India attacked with venom as a way of urgency enveloped the sport. Rohit got here shut on India’s eight penalty nook of the evening however missed his goal by inches.
Extra alternatives fell Australia’s method by way of penalty corners, and Grobbelaar (59’) transformed but once more to assist the Kookaburra’s edge forward within the dying embers of the sport. It was India’s flip to attempt to take advantage of the set-pieces proper, India took a sequence of photographs from penalty corners within the closing minute, however the equaliser eluded the Blue Colts.
