Johor Bahru (Malaysia): Captain Rohit showcased his skills by scoring two goals as the Indian junior men’s hockey team began its Sultan of Johor Cup campaign with a 3-2 victory against Great Britain on Saturday. Rohit (45+’, 52′) and Ravneet Singh (23′) found the net for India, while Michael Royden (26′) and Kaden Draysey (46′) scored for Great Britain. The first quarter featured an engaging back-and-forth between the teams, but neither managed to score. India nearly took the lead in the 22nd minute, but Manmeet Singh’s shot was cleared off the line by Great Britain’s defense.
India finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Gurjot Singh made a strong run from the right into the circle and delivered a pass through the Great Britain defense to Ravneet, who finished it off with style. Just moments later, in the 26th minute, Great Britain equalized when Captain Max Anderson made a run from the right and assisted Michael Royden, who slotted the ball into the top left corner. The third quarter commenced with both teams vying for possession, searching for scoring opportunities, yet the defenders were in excellent form, thwarting attacks. In the 45th minute, Great Britain received a penalty corner but failed to convert.
Shortly after, India earned a penalty corner, and Rohit (45’+) capitalized with a brilliant dragflick, restoring India’s lead. In the 46th minute, Great Britain was awarded a penalty stroke, which Kaden Draysey converted to level the score once more. India secured successive penalty corners in the 50th, 51st, and 52nd minutes; although they couldn’t convert the first two, Rohit delivered a spectacular strike on the third attempt, sealing the win for India. Next, India will face New Zealand on Sunday.
