New Delhi: Under the guidance of Chief Coach and former Olympian PR Shreejesh and led on-field by fullback Rohit, India’s junior hockey team registered a 4-2 victory over New Zealand in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025 marking their second consecutive win in the tournament. India had opened their campaign with a 3-2 win against Britain.
For the winners, striker Arshdeep Singh (2nd minute), PB Sunil (15th), Arijit Singh Hundal (26th), and Roman Kumar (47th) scored one goal each. New Zealand’s Gus Nelson (41st) and Aden Max (52nd) netted for the visitors.
India will next face their arch-rivals Pakistan on Tuesday at 6:05 PM IST. Speaking after the win, Chief Coach PR Shreejesh said, “Our team performed as expected. The defense will need to stay sharp in the upcoming matches.”
Arshdeep opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a swift field goal after controlling the ball outside the New Zealand circle. PB Sunil extended India’s lead to 2-0 with a penalty corner conversion just before the end of the first quarter. Arijit Hundal’s precise strike in the second quarter made it 3-0. New Zealand pulled one back through Gus Nelson in the third quarter, but Roman Kumar restored India’s three-goal advantage in the fourth quarter. Aden Max added a late goal for New Zealand, sealing the final score at 4-2.
India’s clinical finishing and resilient teamwork highlighted their dominance, keeping them on course for a strong tournament showing.
