Hockey
Sultan of Johor Cup: Indian men's junior team outclass Great Britain
The young brigade claimed their second consecutive victory in the competition as Sharda Nand and Dilraj scored a brace.
The young Indian men's junior hockey team claimed their second successive victory at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia on Sunday, overpowering Great Britain in their second-group match.
The Indian team, buoyed by their winning start against Japan, elevated their performance and triumphed over Great Britain in a high-scoring 6-4 contest.
Sharda Nand Tiwari, a powerful drag-flicker, and forward Dilraj Singh both scored a brace, while Manmeet and Mohd Konain Dad added one goal each for India.
The match began with an early setback for India, as they conceded a penalty corner in the very first minute. Rory Penrose capitalized on it with a powerful top-corner finish to give Great Britain the lead.
India responded well, as Mohd Konain Dad scored an equalizer by directing a high ball into an empty net, following a rebound from goalkeeper James Carleton.
The first quarter was heading toward a stalemate, but in its final minute, Great Britain won their second penalty corner of the match. Once again, Rory Penrose found the back of the net, this time with a powerful bottom-corner finish.
India improved their attacking display in the second quarter, netting three goals. Sharda Nand Tiwari scored from a penalty corner, while Manmeet and Dilraj Singh each added a field goal.
India entered the final quarter with a two-goal lead, but this was quickly reduced to one when Michael Roydon scored an easy tap-in after the Indian defense left him unmarked on the far post.
With just 10 minutes remaining, the match seemed to be heading for a dramatic conclusion. However, Sharda Nand Tiwari and Dilraj Singh scored two quick goals within 30 seconds, nearly ending Great Britain’s hopes of a comeback.
Michael Roydon scored a late goal for Great Britain, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit, and India secured the crucial three points.