Johor Bahru, October 14, 2025 – In a high-octane showdown at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, Pakistan’s junior men’s hockey team played out a pulsating 3-3 draw against arch-rivals India at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, keeping both unbeaten squads in the hunt for semi-final spots. The match, the ninth meeting between the Asian giants since 2011, swung wildly with six goals, counter-attacks, and penalty drama, ending in a fitting stalemate that saw players exchange handshakes post-whistle—a gesture contrasting recent cricket tensions.
Pakistan struck first in the opening quarter when captain Hannan Shahid converted a penalty stroke (5′) for a 1-0 lead, holding firm through a goalless second as both defenses repelled furious raids. The third quarter saw Sufyan Khan double the advantage with a penalty corner drag-flick (35′), but India’s Harjot Singh pulled one back via stroke (38′) to make it 2-1 at halftime.
The final quarter exploded: India equalized through Manmeet Singh (42′), then seized a 3-2 lead with a swift counter (45′). But Sufyan Khan, the 18-year-old forward from Lahore, leveled with his second penalty corner (49′), earning Man of the Match honors for his brace and tireless pressing. Both sides pushed for a winner in the dying minutes, but neither breached, sharing a point each—India atop the table with 7 points from three games (two wins, one draw), Pakistan third with 4 (one win, one draw, one loss).
Pakistan’s opener was a 7-2 rout of hosts Malaysia, followed by a 1-5 loss to Britain; India remains flawless after beating New Zealand 4-2 and Britain 3-1. Next up for Pakistan: New Zealand on October 16; India faces Australia tomorrow. Coach Tahir Zaman praised the “warrior spirit,” while India’s PR Sreejesh-mentored colts lauded the “unmatched rivalry.”
