Sultan of Johor Cup 2023: Indian junior men's hockey team go down to Germany in semis

India were 1-6 down at one point.

The Indian junior men’s hockey team suffered a 6-3 defeat against the world No. 2 ranked Germany in the semifinals of the Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 in hockey. In a dominant display, Germany’s Christian Franz (16’), Nikas Berendts (29’, 45’), Peer Hinrichs (43’,48’), and Sperling Florian (49’) found the back of the net, while Amandeep Lakra (35’), Uttam Singh (58’), and Rohit (60’) scored for India.

Defending champions India started strongly, posing a threat to Joshua Onyekwue Nnaji’s goal in the opening minutes.

However, Germany registered the game’s first shot on target, with Ben Hasbach’s snapshot deflected by India’s goalkeeper, Mohith H.S. A period of German dominance followed, pinning India in their half as they sought the opening goal. Germany’s Captain Matteo Poljaric attempted to test Mohith H.S. but the vigilant Indian goalkeeper ensured the first quarter ended goalless.

Germany’s Christian Franz scored in the very first minute of the second quarter, sending a shot past Mohith H.S after a series of passes in the circle. The Indian Colts struggled to create opportunities to test Joshua in goal as Germany continued to apply pressure throughout the quarter.

Towards the end of the first half, Nikas Berendts’s flick from a penalty corner found the back of India’s goal for the second time in the match.

India found their footing in the third quarter, forcing a series of penalty corners, and it was Amandeep Lakra’s flick that reduced India’s deficit. However, this relief was short-lived as Peer Hinrichs netted the ball after a goalmouth melee, extending Germany’s lead. This was quickly followed by another goal by Nikas Berendts towards the end of the quarter.

The German onslaught continued in the last quarter, with Peer Hinrichs doubling his goal tally through a powerful flick from a penalty corner. Shortly after, Sperling Florian chipped the ball over Mohith H.S from close range, making it 6-1 in favor of Germany.

As the intensity of the game waned, Uttam Singh deflected a long cross to score India’s second goal, while Rohit scored from a penalty corner in the very last minute of the game. However, despite India’s valiant efforts, they suffered a 3-6 defeat.