India Overcome Great Britain in Thrilling Sultan of Johor Cup Opener

Image Credit: Hockey India

India began their Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 campaign with a hard fought 3-2 victory over defending champions Great Britain at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on October 11, 2025. Captain Rohit emerged as the match winner with a crucial brace, while Ravneet Singh opened the scoring for the junior Indian team.​

The opening quarter saw both teams engage in competitive end to end hockey without finding the breakthrough. India created multiple scoring opportunities in the second quarter, with Manmeet Singh's effort cleared off the goalline in the 22' before Ravneet Singh finally converted in the 23' from Gurjot Singh's precise pass from the right flank. Great Britain responded swiftly as Michael Royden equalized in the 26' after captain Max Anderson's assist, leaving the teams level at halftime with India holding a marginal advantage of 10 to 9 in circle entries.​

The decisive period arrived in the closing stages of the third quarter. Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh denied Great Britain's penalty corner attempt in the 45' before captain Rohit converted India's opportunity at the other end with a powerful drag flick. Great Britain immediately equalized within a minute through Kaden Draysey's penalty stroke conversion in the 46'. India's persistence paid dividends as they won three consecutive penalty corners between the 50' and 52'. Although the first two attempts failed, Rohit delivered a spectacular drag flick on the third opportunity to secure the winning goal.​

The result demonstrated India's attacking intent and resilience as they twice recovered from being pegged back by the defending champions.​