India Fight Back to Draw 3-3 with Pakistan in Thrilling Encounter

Image Credit: Hockey India

India produced a remarkable comeback to draw 3 3 with Pakistan in their third group stage match of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia on October 14, 2025. Araijeet Singh Hundal, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha and Manmeet Singh scored for India, while Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan netted twice found the net for Pakistan.​

Pakistan struck early through captain Hannan Shahid, who converted a penalty stroke in the 5' after India conceded against the run of play. Despite dominating possession and circle entries in the opening stages, India wasted an early penalty corner opportunity in the third minute. Pakistan capitalized on their counterattacking approach throughout the first quarter and maintained their lead into the second period.​

India's task became more difficult when Anmol Ekka received a yellow card in the 20' for a sliding tackle, forcing the team to play with ten men for the remaining ten minutes of the second quarter. Despite this numerical disadvantage, India displayed discipline to prevent Pakistan from extending their advantage. However, Pakistan doubled their lead in the 39' when Sufyan Khan converted a penalty corner to make it 2-0.​

The momentum shifted dramatically in the closing stages. Araijeet Singh Hundal converted a penalty stroke in the 43' to reduce the deficit. Early in the fourth quarter, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha leveled the score at 2-2 in the 47' with a precisely placed shot. India completed their comeback when Manmeet Singh scored in the 53' to give them their first lead of the match. Pakistan refused to concede defeat as Sufyan Khan converted his second penalty corner in the 55' to secure a share of the points. The result kept India unbeaten in the tournament.