The Indian junior men’s hockey team produced a spirited fightback to hold Pakistan to a thrilling 3–3 draw in their third group-stage encounter of the Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru on Tuesday. In a game that ebbed and flowed dramatically, India overturned a two-goal deficit to take the lead, only for Pakistan to strike late and force a share of the spoils.
The result keeps India unbeaten in the tournament and underlines their resilience in a match that tested both teams’ temperament and tactical discipline.
Pakistan drew first blood early in the opening quarter, capitalising on a rare counterattack. Against the run of play, they won a penalty stroke after a defensive lapse by the Indian backline. Captain Hannan Shahid stepped up and calmly slotted the ball to the goalkeeper’s right, putting Pakistan 1–0 ahead in the fifth minute.
Buoyed by the early lead, Pakistan began to press higher and soon doubled their advantage. Sufyan Khan, their penalty-corner specialist, struck cleanly in the 39th minute to make it 2–0. At that point, India appeared to be struggling for rhythm despite having dominated possession and circle entries in the early stages.
However, the deficit only seemed to ignite India’s fighting spirit. Showing remarkable composure under pressure, the young side regrouped and began to mount sustained attacks deep inside the Pakistani half. Their persistence paid off late in the third quarter when they earned a penalty stroke after a goalmouth scramble. Araijeet Singh Hundal made no mistake from the spot, rifling his effort low and firm past the Pakistani goalkeeper to bring India back into the contest at 2–1.
With momentum shifting in their favour, India came out firing in the final quarter. Barely four minutes later, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha produced a stunning field goal, his precise strike from the top of the circle beating the goalkeeper to level the scores at 2–2.
Sensing vulnerability in the Pakistani defence, India maintained their attacking intent. Their relentless pressure bore fruit again when Manmeet Singh finished clinically in the 53rd minute, completing India’s comeback and putting them ahead for the first time in the match.
But just when it seemed the Indian colts would secure a famous win, Pakistan hit back through Sufyan once again. Converting another penalty corner in the 55th minute, he ensured the fierce rivals ended the contest all square at 3–3.
Despite conceding late, the Indian team will take heart from their spirited recovery and attacking flair. The result leaves both sides level on points as the group stage heads toward a decisive final round of fixtures.
– Ends