~Goals were scored by Amandeep Lakra (30′), Aditya Arjun Lalage (56′) and Uttam Singh (59′)~
Johor Bahru (Malaysia), 27th October 2023: Defending Champions Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team came from behind twice after trailing by a goal to hold nemesis Pakistan to a 3-3 draw in a thrilling opening match here at the Sultan of Johor Cup on Friday. It was goals by Amandeep Lakra (30′), Aditya Arjun Lalage (56′) and Uttam Singh (59′) that ensured India earned a point from the draw while Arbaz Ahmad (31′, 58′) and Abdul Shahid (49′) scored for Pakistan.
Both teams lived up to the billing, producing some fine-skilled hockey in the campaign opener – setting the moment for an exciting tournament which promises to be a litmus test for the teams participating in the forthcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023 in Malaysia this December.
While both teams took time to settle into the game, shaking off those early nerves, the first big opportunity to score came in the 12th minute through India Colts forward Angad Bir Singh. But his shot went across the goal with no one at the far end to tap the ball in. Even though neither team came up with potent attacking formations in the first quarter, both teams defended well to keep the score at a stalemate.
The second quarter saw Pakistan make a strong start with a PC in the opening minute. But good defence by India’s first rusher denied Pakistan a goal. The following few minutes saw India earn a few chances in the circle, but a mistrap in their first PC attempt continued to keep the scoreboard at 0-0. The defending champs were finally able to draw first blood in the 30th minute, only seconds before the half-time hooter. It was dragflicker Amandeep Lakra who fetched India a much-needed 1-0 lead.
However, returning to the pitch after the 10-minute half-time break, Pakistan were quick to equalize in the 31st minute through a PC by Arbaz Ahmad. Showcasing positive body language, Indian Colts didn’t seem perturbed by the goal and continued to build on their attack. Poovana Boby Chandura took a brave shot on goal in the 39th minute but was well-saved by the Pakistani keeper Ali Raza. The next few minutes saw India create potential forays into the striking circle, but a goal remained elusive.
The final quarter started with a 1-1 stalemate on the scoreboard, both teams pushed themselves to fetch the important 3 points. But it was Pakistan which ended up taking a 2-1 lead in the 49th minute when their Captain Abdul Shahid took a shot on goal from the top left corner beating Indian goalie Mohit. Though India replied to this goal with a PC in the 50th minute, the opportunity was lost with the Pakistani goalkeeper making a bright save off the Indian dragflick.
With five minutes left on the clock, India found another opportunity through a PC and this time they were brilliant in the execution with Aditya Arjun Lalage getting a deflection off the rebound from Ali Raza’s pads. The equaliser ensured the final few minutes remained intense with both teams vying for a winner. Just under three minutes for the final hooter, Pakistan bounced back with a PC well-converted by Arbaz Ahmad. The 3-2 lead hardly dented India’s spirit as they struck a stupendous field goal, thanks to Skipper Uttam Singh in the 59th minute to split the points with nemesis Pakistan.
Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team Schedule:
27th October – India v Pakistan @ 1335 hrs IST
28th October – India v Malaysia @ 1805 hrs IST
30th October – India v New Zealand @ 1805 hrs IST
Please find attached the complete schedule and pictures.
Live Streaming for the 11th Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 will be available on YouTube on the following links:
Day 1 Friday 27th October
Match 1 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – India v Pakistan (Pool B)
Match 2 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Australia v Great Britain (Pool A)
Match 3 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Malaysia v New Zealand (Pool b)
DAY 2 – Saturday 28 October
Match 4 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Germany v South Africa (Pool A)
Match 5 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Pakistan v New Zealand (Pool B)
Match 6 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Malaysia v India (Pool B)
Day 3 Monday 30th October
Match 7 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – South Africa v Great Britain ((Pool A)
Match 8 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Australia v Germany (Pool A)
Match 9 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – India v New Zealand (Pool B)
Day 4 – Tuesday 31st October
Match 10 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Germany v Great Britain (Pool A)
Match 11 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – South Africa v Australia (Pool A)
Match 12 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Pakistan v Malaysia (Pool B)
Day 5 – Thursday 2nd November
Match 13 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – 3rd Pool B v 4th Pool A
Match 14 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – 3rd Pool A v 4th Pool B
Day 6 – Friday 3rd November
Match 15 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Loser Match 13 v Loser Match 14
Match 16 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – 1st Pool B v 2nd Pool A
Match 17 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool B
Day 7 Saturday 4th November
Match 18 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – 5th/6th Place play-off
Match 19 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – Bronze Medal Match
Match 20 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 – The Final
By Hockey India
