The junior Indian hockey team continued its winning run in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 with a 4-2 victory over New Zealand at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Sunday.
Arshdeep Singh (2’), PB Sunil (15’), Araijeet Singh Hundal (26’) and Rosan Kujur (47’) scored the goals for the Indian Colts, while Gus Nelson (41’) and Aidan Max (52’) scored for New Zealand.
Having beaten reigning champions Great Britain 3-2 in their opening match on Saturday, the Indian hockey team continued the momentum with a solid start against New Zealand.
The opening goal for India came as early as the second minute of the first quarter with Arshdeep Singh scoring from a loose ball after some poor defending in the circle by New Zealand.
Arshdeep made a swift run from the right flank and took a shot on goal. The New Zealand keeper saved it but Arshdeep managed to convert from the rebound.
India doubled their lead in the final minute of the quarter when Sunil PB scored from a fine penalty corner variation after Rohit, the designated dragflicker and captain of the side, passed it to him.
A low snapshot by Sunil was just about enough to find the back of the net.
This was India’s fourth penalty corner after the first three found the foot of the New Zealand first rusher.
Araijeet Singh Hundal made it 3-0 in the 26th minute after taking his shot following a quick turn.
Gus Nelson scored for New Zealand in the 41st minute but Rosan Kujur scored from a penalty corner minutes later to restore India’s three-goal lead.
Biden Max pulled one back for New Zealand in the 52nd minute to make the final few minutes interesting but the Indian defence held up to see off the win.
“We need to show a better defensive display,” India head coach PR Sreejesh said after the match.
India will next play arch-rivals Pakistan in their next Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 match on Tuesday.