Australia Edges India 2-1 in Dramatic Sultan of Johor Cup Final
JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia – Australia claimed teh 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup title on saturday, defeating India 2-1 in a tightly contested final. A late penalty corner conversion by Grobbelaar secured the victory for the australian team, denying India a fourth championship title.
the loss marks the end of a promising run for the Indian “Blue Colts,” who where aiming to draw level with Great Britain as the most successful team in the tournament. Australia’s win brings them alongside India with three Sultan of Johor Cup titles each, while Great Britain remains the leader with four. The result is a setback for India’s rising hockey program, which has consistently performed well in recent editions of the competition, and underscores Australia’s continued dominance in junior hockey.
Australia opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a penalty corner goal from Grobbelaar. India quickly responded early in the second quarter, leveling the score with a powerful drag flick from anmol Ekka.
Both teams continued to create opportunities throughout the match,with India appearing sharper in open play. Araijeet Singh Hundal threatened from multiple penalty corners, and Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh made several key saves. However, neither team could break the deadlock in the third quarter despite end-to-end action.
The decisive moment came in the 59th minute when Grobbelaar scored his second goal of the match, again from a penalty corner, handing Australia the 2-1 lead and ultimately the championship. Despite earning eight penalty corners throughout the game, India was unable to convert and secure the equalizer.
Earlier in the day, Great Britain secured third place with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan.
