s2h team

India overwhelmed fighting Japan 5-1 to post its second win out of three in the Sultan of Johor Cup today. Coming against the shock of losing to robust South Africa in a high scoring match (4-5) on Sunday, the Japan maul must act as a morale booster for Uttam Singh’s India, as they face the mighty Australians in their next outing tomorrow (Wednesday).

CR Kumar’s Indian colts have shown flair in scoring so far, striking five goals in the two wins and one less in the remainder. 14 goals in three meets must gladden the heart of most coaches, but veteran coach Kumar has a task on hand. His team has shown to be vulnerable, defence brittle. South African, who beat Malaysia today 3-1 in the last engagement of the day, exactly worked on these and emerged successful. Their first goal struck against the Indians on Sunday was their first entry into the circle, and it turned out to be a goal!

Indians on the other hand were seen to miss out easy of scoring chances, especially the penalty corner battery doesn’t seem to work.

Today, against Japan who surprised Great Britain on second day with a nice 2-1, today were not allowed any elbow room by the Indians, as it they learnt their lesson (in defence keeping) from the South Africans.

Indian Junior Men’s team for the 2022 Sultan of Johor Cup      Pic: Hockey India

Uttam Singh was off to start with a strike in the 3rd minute, Rohit followed it in the same quarter six minutes later. However, Ikumi Saeki came out with a gem in the extended first quarter to convert a penalty corner to give a respectable fighting first quarter score line (2-1). However, that’s all all the Japanese could do insofar as the scoreboard was concerned, which has become Uttam’s home after that. Jhonson Purty doused the Japanese fire with a stylish field goal (21st min) before Dhami Boby Singh (31) and Amandeep Lakra (51) to enter their names on the scoreboard.

India will take on all win Australia tomorrow. Australia has beatn Japan 3-2, Malaysia 8-0 and Great Britain 3-1.

The contest present inconsistent India to pull up socks and provide a fare that would transform their fortune.