The Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 is underway and the Indian junior men's hockey team began their campaign on a positive note against Japan. The Indian team is now set to take on Great Britain in their next encounter on Sunday, October 20.
India secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Japan in their opening match, with goals from Amir Ali (12'), Gurjot Singh (36'), Anand Sourabh Kushwaha (44'), and Ankit Pal (47'). Despite Japan's Tsubasa Tanaka (26') equalizing early and Rakusei Yamanaka (57') adding another late goal, India maintained control.
Former India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, now coach of the junior men's team, watched on as the team delivered an energetic performance, starting strong with early offensive play.
India's attack was relentless, with Amir Ali scoring first, and Japan quickly responding. However, India regained momentum after halftime, with Gurjot putting them ahead, followed by Kushwaha extending the lead with a powerful dragflick from a penalty corner.
Ankit Pal's rebound goal from another penalty corner solidified the win, despite Japan's late strike. Indian goalkeeper Ali Khan made critical saves to keep Japan from taking the lead, ensuring a solid win for the team.
Great Britain, on the other hand, faced Australia in their opening clash of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024. They beat Australia 3-1 and also come into this contest on the back of a fine victory.
This sets it up for an interesting battle with both teams having a rich history in the competition.
India vs Great Britain Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 Match Details
Match Details: India vs Great Britain, Sultan of Johor Cup 2024
Date and Time: Sunday, October 20, 1:35 PM IST
Venue: Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, Johor, Malaysia
India vs Great Britain Squads
India
Tiwari Sharda Nand, Talem Priyobarta, Ali Amir (C), Singh Gurjot, Singh Manmeet, Dad Konain Mohd, Kushwaha Sourabh Anand, Yadav Chandan, Pal Ankit, Kujur Rosan, Singh Dilraj, Rohit, Ekka Anmol, Singh Arshdeep, Sukhvinder, Toppo Mukesh, Khan Ali (GK), and Singh Bikramjit (GK).
Great Britain
Nathan Gladman, Tom Spreckley, Rory Penrose, Ted Graves, Alex Chihota, Cole Pidcock, Michael Royden, Max Anderson, Lewis Wilcher, Henry Markham, Harrison Stone, Caspar Lea, Monty Neave, Matthew Hughson, Thomas Austin, Kaden Draysey, Calum Douglas (GK), and James Carleton (GK).
India vs Great Britain Predicted Lineups
India
Talem Priyobarta, Ali Amir (C), Manmeet Singh, Gurjot Singh, Dad Konain Mohd, Sourabh Anand, Chandan Yadav, Ankit Pal, Arshdeep Singh, Sukhvinder, Ali Khan
Great Britain
Michael Royden, Caspar Lea, Kaden Draysey, Tom Spreckley, Lewis Wilcher (C), Henrey Markham, Monty Neave, Thomas Austin, James Carleton, Harrison Stone, Anderson Max
India vs Great Britain Prediction
Both teams come into this Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 clash on the back of wins in their opening games. They are in fine form and this will be a tight encounter between two teams having a great record in the tournament.
It is expected to be a close contest as the two teams meet yet again. However, going by past records, Great Britain will fancy their chances over India to come out on top in this encounter.
Prediction: Great Britain to win
India vs Great Britain Live Telecast Details, Channel List & Live Score Details
TV: N/A
Live Streaming: rtmklik.rtm.gov.my website