India's Junior Hockey Team Clinches Bronze at Sultan of Johor Cup

India, 30 December 2025 — The Indian junior men's hockey team secured a bronze medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup after defeating Australia 5-1 in the third-place playoff match held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The match took place on Thursday, showcasing India's dominance as they rebounded from their semi-final loss. Captain Uttam Singh led the charge with two goals, while Amandeep Lakra, Sudeep Chirmako, and Araijeet Singh Hundal each contributed to the scoreline.
India's performance in the tournament was commendable, with the team displaying strong defensive and offensive strategies throughout the competition. The team's ability to capitalize on penalty corners was a key factor in their decisive victory over Australia.
The Sultan of Johor Cup is an annual invitational international men's under-21 field hockey tournament, and it serves as a platform for upcoming talents to gain international experience. India's bronze medal finish highlights the potential of the country's next generation of hockey players.
The Indian team, coached by CR Kumar, had earlier lost to Great Britain in a closely contested semi-final. However, they demonstrated resilience and skill in the playoff, which will be crucial for their preparations ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
The success of the junior team is significant as it underlines the depth of talent in Indian hockey and provides a promising outlook for the national team's future prospects.