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Australia edged India 2-1 in a tense Sultan of Johor Cup under-21 final in Johor Bahru, with Ian Grobbelaar scoring twice to secure the title and avenge their 2022 loss.
(Credit: Hockey India)
A spirited India fell agonisingly short of glory at the Sultan of Johor Cup on Saturday, going down 2-1 to Australia in a tense under-21 final in Johor Bahru.
Despite a brave fightback and a flurry of late chances, the young Indian side had to settle for the silver medal after a thrilling contest that went down to the wire.
Australia’s Ian Grobbelaar proved the difference, scoring twice — including the decisive strike in the final minutes — to seal the title for his side.
The Aussies, who had lost their previous three finals, finally broke their jinx to lift their third Sultan of Johor Cup crown.
Grobbelaar’s early strike, India’s swift reply
Australia drew first blood in the 13th minute when Grobbelaar produced a perfectly executed drag flick off a penalty corner to give his side the lead just before the end of the first quarter.
But India, three-time former champions, hit back almost immediately. In the 17th minute, Anmol Ekka converted a penalty corner with a powerful low strike to bring the match level at 1-1 — a reward for India’s high pressing and attacking intent in the second quarter.
Late heartbreak for India
The teams remained deadlocked through a tense third quarter, with both goalkeepers pulling off sharp saves. As the final minutes ticked away, Australia earned their 11th penalty corner, and Grobbelaar once again found the mark, smashing home what proved to be the match-winner in the 58th minute.
India refused to give up, earning six consecutive penalty corners in the dying seconds. But Australian goalkeeper Magnus McCausland stood tall under pressure, pulling off a string of heroic saves to preserve the lead.
With the 2-1 victory, Australia not only reclaimed the Sultan of Johor Cup but also avenged their 2022 final loss to India.
(with PTI inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
October 18, 2025, 20:35 IST
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