Sultan of Johor Cup 2025: Great Britain Clinch Bronze as Australia Edge India to Lift Title
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Great Britain secured the bronze medal after a thrilling 3–2 win over Pakistan, while Australia defeated India 2–1 in the final to win the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Great Britain Triumphs Over Pakistan to Claim Bronze
At the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Great Britain’s men’s junior hockey team delivered a clinical performance to defeat Pakistan 3–2 and claim the bronze medal in the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup.
The third-place playoff was a fast-paced and fiercely contested encounter that showcased both attacking flair and defensive grit from the young sides. Great Britain, determined to end their campaign on a high, struck early and held firm despite Pakistan’s late resurgence.
A Blistering Start from Great Britain
The British side wasted no time asserting dominance. Their intent was clear from the opening whistle — pressing high, moving the ball swiftly, and capitalizing on every opportunity inside the circle.
Their first breakthrough came in the 7th minute when Kaden Dreysey converted a well-executed penalty corner. The goal injected confidence into the British ranks, who continued to pressure Pakistan’s defense with sharp passes and quick rotations.
Just five minutes later, Michael Royden doubled the advantage with a precise strike in the 12th minute, putting Great Britain firmly in control at 2–0. The Pakistan defense looked unsettled as the British forwards continued to threaten with overlapping runs and coordinated set pieces.
Pakistan’s Fightback Led by Their Captain
Despite the early setback, Pakistan refused to fold. The team, led by captain Abdul Hannan Shahid, began regaining rhythm in the second quarter. Their midfield tightened, and their counterattacks became more structured and dangerous.
In the 23rd minute, Shahid provided the spark Pakistan needed. A well-timed field goal from the skipper cut the deficit to 2–1, reigniting hopes of a comeback. His energy and leadership lifted the side, with Pakistan dominating possession for much of the second quarter.
However, despite their improved play, missed chances and a lack of composure in the final third prevented them from drawing level before halftime.
Intense Second Half: Late Drama and Missed Chances
The third quarter saw end-to-end hockey as both teams traded possession. Great Britain defended with discipline, using their experience in controlling tempo to frustrate Pakistan’s momentum.
Pakistan’s best chance came midway through the third quarter when Sufyan Khan, known for his powerful drag-flicks, earned a penalty corner. However, his attempt was well blocked by the British goalkeeper, denying what seemed a sure equalizer.
Undeterred, Pakistan continued to press high into the final quarter. Their persistence finally paid off when Sufyan Khan redeemed himself with a stunning drag-flick goal in the closing minutes, bringing the scoreline to 3–2.
The late strike sent a surge of energy through the Pakistani side, who pushed for one more goal in the dying moments. But Great Britain’s defense stood tall, with goalkeeper James Lewis producing crucial saves under pressure.
As the final whistle blew, the British camp erupted in celebration. The 3–2 victory secured them the bronze medal — a reward for their consistency and mental strength throughout the tournament.
Post-Match Reactions: Lessons and Pride
Speaking after the match, Great Britain’s coach expressed pride in his young squad’s resilience.
“We knew Pakistan would come hard in the second half. Credit to our boys — they stayed composed under pressure and finished the tournament with a strong performance,” he said.
Pakistan’s head coach, meanwhile, praised his players’ fighting spirit despite the loss.
“We made a slow start, and that cost us. But I’m proud of how we came back. Matches like these are invaluable learning experiences for our young team.”
Australia Edge India to Win the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025
Later that evening, the spotlight shifted to the final match between Australia and India, two of the tournament’s most consistent performers. In a gripping contest that went down to the wire, Australia edged past India 2–1 to lift the Sultan of Johor Cup title.
The final was played in front of an electric crowd at the same venue, the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, where fans from both nations created a charged atmosphere befitting the grand occasion.
Early Lead for Australia
Australia began the match aggressively, taking control of midfield battles and moving the ball with precision. Their efforts paid off in the 13th minute when Ian Grobbelaar converted a penalty corner to give the Aussies a 1–0 lead.
The early goal settled nerves and allowed Australia to dictate the tempo, keeping the Indian defense under constant pressure with their structured build-up play.
India Fight Back Through Anmol Ekka
India, however, have never been a side to back down easily. The young Men in Blue regrouped quickly and began exploiting gaps through fast counterattacks and wide play.
Their equalizer came early in the second quarter when Anmol Ekka unleashed a superb drag-flick during a penalty corner, beating Australian goalkeeper Magnus McCausland to make it 1–1.
That goal reignited India’s momentum. They dominated possession for most of the second and third quarters, forcing several penalty corners and half-chances. Ajit Yadav, in particular, looked dangerous with his pace and creativity, repeatedly testing Australia’s defensive line.
Final Quarter: Missed Chances and a Decisive Blow
As the match entered its final 10 minutes, tension filled the air. India pressed relentlessly, earning their eighth penalty corner, but the Australian defense, marshaled by McCausland, held firm.
Just as the match seemed headed for a penalty shootout, Australia struck again. In the 59th minute, Ian Grobbelaar once more proved to be the hero, converting another penalty corner with pinpoint precision to seal a dramatic 2–1 victory.
The Australian bench erupted as the final whistle confirmed their triumph. With this win, Australia lifted their fourth Sultan of Johor Cup title, reaffirming their dominance in junior international hockey.
India’s Fifth Runners-Up Finish
For India, the defeat marked their fifth runners-up finish in the history of the tournament. Despite falling short in the final, the young Indian team earned widespread praise for their attacking hockey and tactical maturity throughout the competition.
Their journey featured strong performances against Malaysia, South Korea, and New Zealand, along with a semifinal victory that showcased their mental strength.
Indian coach Sardar Singh highlighted the positives after the match:
“The boys gave everything. We created chances, we played brave hockey, and we’ll take this experience forward. The spirit and hunger they’ve shown make me very optimistic about India’s hockey future.”
Tournament Overview: Skill, Speed, and Sportsmanship
The 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup once again lived up to its reputation as one of the premier events in junior men’s hockey. The tournament featured eight of the world’s best emerging teams — Australia, India, Pakistan, Great Britain, Malaysia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Japan.
Across two weeks of high-quality hockey, fans witnessed end-to-end games, late drama, and the emergence of future stars. The skill levels, tactical understanding, and fitness on display underscored how competitive junior international hockey has become.
Pakistan’s Campaign: A Tale of Promise and Lessons
For Pakistan, finishing fourth might not have been the outcome they hoped for, but their campaign had flashes of brilliance. Wins against Malaysia and Japan, coupled with competitive performances against top-ranked teams, showed significant improvement in their youth development program.
Captain Abdul Hannan Shahid’s leadership stood out, while forward Sufyan Khan emerged as one of the tournament’s most
