India Finish Runners Up at Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 After Heartbreaking Defeat to Australia

Image Credit: Hockey India

The Indian junior men's hockey team displayed courage and determination but ultimately fell short in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 final, losing 1-2 to Australia at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Saturday. Ian Grobbelaar emerged as the match winner for the Australians, scoring twice in the 13' and 59', while Anmol Ekka netted India's solitary goal in the 17'.​

The result marked India's fifth silver medal at this prestigious junior tournament, improving on their bronze medal finishes from the previous two editions. For Australia, it was sweet redemption after three consecutive final defeats, as they claimed their third Sultan of Johor Cup title and first since 2017. India entered the contest with intent, dominating possession in the opening stages through quick, precise passing. The Blue Colts created their first genuine scoring opportunity inside five minutes when Araijeet Singh Hundal and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha combined with a neat exchange before setting up Gurjot Singh in a dangerous position, but Australian custodian Magnus McCausland produced a sharp save.​

The Indian attack continued to threaten as the first quarter progressed. Around the 10', Amir Ali unleashed a powerful strike from distance that Gurjot cleverly redirected toward goal, only for McCausland to deny India once more with another fine stop.​

Australia drew first blood in the 13' when they earned their first penalty corner of the match. Grobbelaar stepped up and executed a perfect drag flick to beat Prince Deep Singh and give his side the lead. The Australians won another set piece just before the quarter ended, but this time the Indian goalkeeper stood firm to keep his team in the contest. Undeterred by the early setback, India began the second quarter with renewed purpose and earned two consecutive penalty corners. The second set piece proved successful as Anmol Ekka unleashed a powerful drag flick that flew past McCausland to restore parity at 1-1 in the 17'.​

With confidence surging through the team, India maintained their attacking approach while staying solid at the back against Australian counter attacks. The momentum continued as they won two more penalty corners approaching halftime, but Araijeet's thunderous attempts from both set pieces failed to produce the go ahead goal. The third period opened with India constructing a threatening move as Priyobarta Talem launched a long pass that found Amir Ali positioned deep on the left wing. His close range effort earned India another penalty corner, though they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.​

Neither team could break the deadlock as the quarter unfolded into an absorbing tactical battle. Australia won three penalty corners of their own during this phase as both sides searched for the crucial second goal. Late in the quarter, Araijeet embarked on a dangerous solo run that looked promising, but his final shot missed the target by a narrow margin. The fourth quarter began with India continuing to press forward. Ajit Yadav intercepted possession in a threatening area and drove toward goal, but with no teammates in support, his shot went wide of the mark.​

India won their eighth penalty corner of the evening, and Rohit came agonizingly close to giving his side the lead, but his attempt missed by inches. The tension mounted as both teams recognized the importance of the next goal.​

Australia ramped up the pressure and earned three consecutive penalty corners in the dying stages of the match. With just two minutes remaining on the clock, Grobbelaar converted from the third set piece, sending a low drag flick past the Indian goalkeeper to restore Australia's advantage at 2-1 in the 59'. In the final two minutes, India launched a desperate assault on the Australian goal and won six straight penalty corners. It was an extraordinary sequence that put immense pressure on the Australian defense, with every second carrying enormous weight.​

Despite the barrage of opportunities, India could not find the equalizer. McCausland produced crucial saves, and the Australian defenders threw their bodies on the line to protect their slender lead. The Australian goalkeeper's heroics throughout the tournament earned him the best goalkeeper award.​

As the final whistle sounded, Australia's celebrations erupted while India's players were left to reflect on what might have been. The defeat was particularly painful given how close India came to forcing a shootout in those chaotic final moments. The victory allowed Australia to finally break their streak of three consecutive final losses, including defeats to India in 2022, Germany in 2023, and Great Britain in 2024. Grobbelaar, who finished as the tournament's best player, had been part of the losing side in previous finals and made sure history would not repeat itself.​

For India, the silver medal represented progress from their bronze medal finishes in 2023 and 2024. The Blue Colts remain the second most successful team in Sultan of Johor Cup history with three titles (2013, 2014, 2022) and five runners up finishes. Only Great Britain, with four titles, have won the tournament more often.​

The performance provides valuable preparation for the upcoming Junior World Cup, where India will look to improve on this result. Under the guidance of legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, the team showed plenty of promise throughout the tournament but will need to work on converting crucial penalty corners in high pressure situations.​

Australia, meanwhile, claimed their third Sultan of Johor Cup crown (2016, 2017, 2025) and announced themselves as serious contenders heading into the next phase of the junior international calendar.