India retain Sultan of Johor Cup title

Both the sides played with extra ordinary efforts in the first half of the clash.

Both the sides attempted to penetrate each others half in a bid to create a scope for a goal.

The scorecard was 0-0 at the end of the first half.

It was in the second half where both the sides attempted to create the first chance and net the first goal.

In the 46th minute of the game, India earned its first penalty corner and it was flawless conversion by Harmanpreet Singh which opened the goal account and took the lead by 1-0.

Great Britain secured their first penalty corner in the 56th minute with Samuel French converting it to level the scores at 1-1.

It was India’s dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh ensured the win as he made no mistakes in converting another penalty corner with only 45 seconds remaining in the match itself.

India won the clash 2-1.

Congratulating the team on their win, Hockey India (HI) President Narinder Batra told the HI website, “Similar to the Indian Men National Team at the 17th Asian Games, the Indian Junior Men Hockey Team too has brought us pride by winning the Sultan of Johor Cup for the second time and given us yet another reason to celebrate the laurels they have brought home today. I would like to congratulate all the players and Coach Mr. Harendra Singh along with all the members of the support staff on this proud moment and wish them all the luck for their future endeavours.”

Speaking on winning the title of the 4th Sultan of Johor Cup, the Indian Junior Men Hockey Team’s Coach Harendra Singh said, “I feel elated with pride and joy to see this young brigade retaining the title today. It was anyone’s game after the scores tied in the 56th minute. This team has shown immense potential to emerge as the one of the best teams in the world with the kind of class and dignity they have played with today. Our aim was to concentrate on the interception and keeping the possession of the ball as well as keeping a composed attitude in the game, as soon as the second half started. I am proud to see that the team worked on the exact framework and preserved the title.”