Johor bahru: Australia’s national junior hockey team clinched their third Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) title by narrowly defeating India 2-1 in the 2024 edition of the tournament at the Johor Hockey Stadium. This significant victory comes after their previous wins in 2016 and 2017, thwarting India’s quest to achieve a fourth championship.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the match was a showcase of tactical skill and determination. Ian Grobbelaar emerged as the standout player for Australia, netting two crucial goals from penalty corners. The Burras took an early lead in the 13th minute when Grobbelaar capitalized on a penalty corner, setting the pace for the match.

India responded swiftly in the second quarter, with E. Anmol leveling the score at 1-1 in the 17th minute, successfully converting a penalty corner against Australia’s goalkeeper, Magnus McCausland. Despite several opportunities, both teams were unable to break the deadlock in the third quarter.

The decisive moment arrived in the final quarter when Grobbelaar struck again in the 59th minute, sealing the victory for Australia with a powerful shot. The match concluded with a 2-1 scoreline, securing Australia’s place as champions of the 13th edition of the tournament.

During the award ceremony, Hairi Mad Shah, Chairman of the Johor State Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Committee, presented the SOJC championship trophy to the triumphant Australian team. Grobbelaar was honored as the best player of the tournament, while Pakistan’s Sufyan Khan earned the top scorer accolade with nine goals. Magnus McCausland was recognized as the best goalkeeper.

Earlier in the day, Great Britain secured third place with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan. Meanwhile, the national junior squad finished in fifth place after defeating New Zealand 5-3. The 2024 SOJC featured six participating countries, with Malaysia last winning the tournament in its inaugural year, 2011.