New Delhi: Australia Under-18 men’s hockey team held India Under-18 men’s team to a 2–2 draw in the opening match of a four-match series played at the SAI Central Regional Centre, Bhopal on Friday evening.
India made a bright start with Akashdeep scoring in the 11th minute, while Deepak Prakash Toppo added another goal in the 45th minute. For Australia, Jet Johnstone struck early in the 2nd minute, while Frankie Baker netted the equaliser in the 60th minute to secure a draw for his side.
Coached by former India captain Sardar Singh, the Indian U-18 men’s team showed strong phases of play but missed key opportunities at the start and end of the match that could have sealed a win.
In the women’s fixture, India U-18 women’s team suffered a narrow 3–4 defeat against Australia U-18 women in another high-intensity clash of the series.
India’s goals came from Diya (22nd minute), Kiran Ekka (42nd minute), and Sweety Kujur (48th minute), keeping the hosts in contention throughout the match.
Australia responded strongly through Aurora Kovasevich (21st minute) and Mia Klimpsch (54th minute), while Stella Bartholomew scored a quick double in the 54th and 55th minutes to swing the momentum decisively.
Despite a strong attacking display, the Indian women’s side, guided by former India captain Rani Rampal, conceded crucial goals in the final quarter that ultimately decided the contest in Australia’s favour.
Both matches marked an intense start to the four-match series, with close contests highlighting promising talent on both sides.
