Sultan of Johor Cup: Pakistan-India clash ends in 3-3 draw, but Sufyan earns Man of the Match 

ISLAMABAD: In the much-awaited Sultan of Johor Junior Hockey Cup clash, Pakistan and archrivals India played a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Sufyan Khan named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.

The match, held in Malaysia, saw the Pakistan hockey team competitively continuing throughout the four quarters against their opponents.  

Pakistan took an early 1-0 lead in the first quarter when team captain Hanan Shahid scored from a penalty stroke.

During the second round of the game, both the teams imparted relentless efforts on each other’s goalposts but failed to shift the game at a side.

In the crucial third quarter of the game, Sufyan Khan of the national team furthered the lead to 2-0 against their archrivals. But in the later part of the same quarter, India’s Hindal Harjeet Singh converted a penalty stroke to make it 2-1.

In the fourth and last round of the India-Pakistan match, the opponents struck again to match the game at (2-2). In the following moments, India’s Manmeet Singh registered yet another goal against Pakistani players to put his team ahead (3-2). Thanks to the national team’s Sufyan Khan who stepped in once again, rescuing the team for netting another goal to equalise at 3-3.

Earlier to the India-Pakistan clash, players from both the teams did shake hands, reflecting mannerism as well as sportsmanship.

Pakistan had earlier defeated hosts Malaysia (7-2) in their opening match, while in their second game; they suffered a 1-5 loss to Great Britain.

In total there are six teams participating in Sultan Johor Cup 2025, namely to mention are the Great Britain, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan and the India.

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With the tournament opener by Pakistan against Malaysia and the second game that went in 3-3 draw between Pakistan and the India on Tuesday, the next games in the schedule are follow the given pattern: Great Britain versus Australia and Malaysia vs New Zealand.