The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team defeated Malaysia 5-2 in their opening game of the 10th Sultan of Johor Cup on Saturday. Amandeep (6’), Araijeet Singh Hundal (10’), Boby Singh Dhami (20’), Sudeep Chirmako (26’), and Sharda Nand Tiwari (56’) scored for India in the match. Malaysia’s goals were scored by Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi (13’) and Muhammad Mamat (52’).
India showed intent right away in the match, with skipper Uttam Singh pressing deep inside the circle in the first minute. Malaysia, on the other hand, maintained a strong defensive line and averted the threat. A few minutes later, Amandeep struck a reverse hit into the nets to give India the lead. Araijeet Singh Hundal deflected the ball into the nets from a penalty corner attempt, giving India a 2-0 lead. Malaysia’s Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi pulled one back with a couple of minutes left in the first quarter.
Hockey: Uttam Singh to lead 18-member junior Indian team at Sultan of Johor Cup
At the start of the second quarter, India continued to press deep inside Malaysia’s circle, putting pressure on the opposition’s defence. Dhami extended India’s lead by tricking his way past the Malaysian defence and then shooting a reverse hit into the nets. Sudeep Chirmako scored India’s fourth goal from a counter-attacking move, just before halftime.
The second half began with Malaysia earning an early Penalty Corner, but an error by Malaysia Captain Abd Razak Syawal quickly ended the threat. Malaysia maintained possession for the majority of the third quarter in the hopes of covering the deficit but were unable to convert it into a goal.
Malaysia began to show urgency with 15 minutes remaining on the clock as Danish Aiman Muhammad struck a reverse hit that just missed the target. Minutes later, India earned their second penalty corner of the game, but Malaysia goalkeeper Mohamad Rafaizul saved it. Muhammad Mamat scored a late goal to give Malaysia hope. However, Sharda Nand Tiwari scored from a penalty corner as India won the match 5-2.
India will next face South Africa on 23 October at 15:35 hrs IST.
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