Australia Clinch Sultan of Johor Cup Title, Great Britain Edge Pakistan for Bronze
Pakistan responded with a spirited comeback, as captain Abdul Hannan Shahid pulled one back in the 23rd minute.
JOHOR BAHRU — Australia secured the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup title with a dramatic 2-1 win over India in the final, while Great Britain edged out Pakistan 3-2 to claim the bronze medal at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru.
In the third-place playoff, Great Britain’s men’s junior hockey team came out firing, scoring twice in the opening quarter. Kaden Dreysey opened the scoring in the 7th minute through a penalty corner, followed by a field goal from Michael Royden in the 12th.
Pakistan responded with a spirited comeback, as captain Abdul Hannan Shahid pulled one back in the 23rd minute. Despite a late drag-flick goal by Sufyan Khan, Pakistan fell just short of equalizing, finishing fourth in the tournament.
Later in the final, Australia and India battled in a tightly contested match. Ian Grobbelaar emerged as the hero for the Aussies, scoring both goals. His first came from a penalty corner in the 13th minute. India responded in the second quarter with a drag flick by Anmol Ekka, leveling the match at 1-1.
Read more: Pakistan, India play out 3-3 thriller in Sultan of Johor Junior Hockey Cup
India had several chances to take the lead, including an eighth penalty corner late in the game, but Australia’s defense held firm. With just one minute left on the clock, Grobbelaar struck again with another penalty corner conversion, sealing a 2-1 win and the championship.
The victory marks another milestone for Australia’s junior team, while India finish as runners-up for a fifth time in the history of the tournament.
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