India lose to Australia 2-4 in Sultan of Johor Cup

The Indian junior men’s hockey team went down 2–4 to Australia in its fourth pool-stage match at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 in Johor, Malaysia, on Wednesday. Captain Rohit (22’) and Arshdeep Singh (60’) were on target for India, while Oscar Sproule (39’, 42’), Andrew Patrick (40’), and skipper Dylan Downey (51’) found the net for Australia.

India started strongly, controlling possession and dictating the tempo in the opening quarter. Australia had an early chance, but goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh pulled off a fine save to keep the scores level. India continued to press forward and earned their first penalty corner in the 17th minute, though Anmol Ekka’s powerful flick flew over the bar.

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The breakthrough came five minutes later when Rohit (22’) converted a second penalty corner with a low strike past the goalkeeper to put India ahead. Soon after, Amir Ali came close to doubling the lead with a solo effort down the left, but his shot was denied by the Australian keeper.

Australia roared back after the halftime break, scoring three quick goals in the third quarter to turn the game around. Sproule (39’) equalised with a neat finish at the far post before Patrick (40’) capitalised on a deflection from a penalty corner to make it 2–1. Sproule (42’) struck again moments later, this time with a fierce backhand shot to extend the lead.

India had a chance to pull one back in the 49th minute, but Rohit’s flick from a penalty corner went off-target. Australia, meanwhile, made the most of their fifth penalty corner, with captain Downey (51’) converting to make it 4–1.

In the dying moments, Arshdeep Singh deflected the ball into the net (60’) to reduce the margin, but it was too late for a comeback.

India will face hosts Malaysia in their final pool match on Friday.