Great Britain beat India in the final of Sultan of Johor Cup 2019

The Indian junior men's hockey team suffered a heart-breaking 1-2 defeat in the final, as Great Britain score 20 seconds before full-time to win the 9th Sultan of Johor Cup 1 on Saturday at Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The summit clash saw the Indian forward line going up against the best defending team of the tournament in a hard-fought clash. Wave after wave of Indian attack were resisted by the mighty Great Britain defence. The British goalkeeper James Mazarelo put up an outstanding show to deny India scoring till the 3rd quarter.

The first-half saw India winning four penalty corners without able to converting one. Till the 47th minute of the match, the boys in blue had won 7 PCs, however, Mazarelo proved to be the mighty wall in the opposition goal. In the 49th minute, India finally converted a PC, struck by Gursahibjit Singh. After getting a narrow lead, India gave away Great Britain their first PC of the match within a minute, and Stuart Rushmere equalised to make the scoreline 1-1.

With both teams going levelled, the Great Britain team found an edge with 20 seconds remaining on the clock as Rushmere scored again to make the scoreline 2-1, which eventually made them the winner.

In their road to the final, Great Britain had scored just 8 goals, compared to India's 23 - but the 2018 title-holders have conceded just 5, while India conceded as many as a 12 goals in five matches.

With five goals to his name, Shilanand Lakra has been one of the standout performers for the Indians, and he remained the highest scorer of the tournament.

The Sultan of Johor Cup started in 2011. Five teams have emerged victorious. Great Britain are the most successful team having won the tournament thrice, followed Australia and India who have all won the tournament twice. Great Britain defends the trophy after they were crowned champions in 2018.