Sultan of Johor Cup 2024: Five talking points from India's bronze medal-winning campaign

India secured a third-place finish at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024.

The Indian junior men’s hockey team returned with a bronze medal from the recently concluded Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 in Malaysia. It was a decent effort, considering they had to endure a bit of misfortune, which prevented them from entering the final. This was India’s consecutive bronze medal wins at the Sultan of Johor Cup and 10th overall medal. They had last won the event in 2022.

Led by PR Sreejesh, who was in his first assignment as the head coach of the junior team, India started off in the perfect manner, with three consecutive wins: against Japan (4-2), Great Britain (6-4) and hosts Malaysia (4-2). However, a 0-4 defeat to Australia, followed by a 3-3 draw versus New Zealand hurt them badly. They did finish level on points with Australia and Great Britain but finished third by virtue of a lower goal difference.

The Indian junior men's hockey team and coach PR Sreejesh at the podium of Sultan of Johor Cup 2024. 🇮🇳 🥉India finished with a BRONZE medal for a second consecutive edition. 🥳#SOJC2024 #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/VBsFD5gKAP

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) October 26, 2024

In the 3/4 place classification match, India defeated New Zealand 3-2 in the penalty shootout, after the score stood at two goals apiece at the end of regulation time, thus securing a well-deserved podium finish. Here are five talking points from India’s campaign at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024:

Talking points from Sultan of Johor Cup 2024

Defence not up to mark

One of the main reasons for India not making it to the final, was a weak backline. While the likes of skipper Amir Ali and Rohit did give a good account of themselves, the defence was in general porous. They conceded at least two goals in each match: two against Japan and Malaysia, three against New Zealand and four against Australia.

Even in the bronze medal match, the team switched off in the last quarter, allowing New Zealand to score two goals and level things. Considering senior team head coach Craig Fulton’s emphasis on a strong defence, he won’t be too happy with these performances, when he looks at probables for his squad.

Also Read: Sultan of Johor Cup 2024: India beat New Zealand in shootout to bag bronze

Wasteful in penalty corners

It wasn’t lack of chances, but the inability to convert them which hurt India most in the big matches. Not making use of set-pieces (penalty corners in particular) cost the team.

They had a flurry of PCs against Australia as well as in the two matches against New Zealand. However, they weren’t able to find the back of the board. While some of it was down to good defending and goalkeeping, there were also instances of the injection or halting not being proper.

It is, however, worth noting that a number of strong drag-flickers were unearthed, including the likes of Sharda Nand Tiwari (3 goals), Talem Priyobarta (2 goals), Rohit (2 goals) and Sourabh Kushwaha (1 goal).

Exciting forwards

A number of forwards made a good impression at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024. While the likes of Ankit Pal, Mohd. Konain and Arshdeep Singh hit one goal each, Dilraj Singh (3 goals), Gurjot Singh (2 goals) and Manmeet Singh (2 goals) found themselves on the scoresheet more than once.

Dilraj’s brace against Britain and his goal in the bronze medal match played a huge part in the team’s success. Manmeet’s goal from an acute angle in the latter match was one of India’s best goals in the campaign.

The forwards not only displayed a poacher’s instinct, but also created chances for each other, making brilliant runs along the flanks. Thus, the offensive department made up for the frailties of the defence.

Strong temperament

One of the most heartening features of this squad was their resilience and ability to stand tall in the face of adversity. This was visible right from the beginning. In the second match against Great Britain, India went down twice but soaked up the pressure and then hit back. In the next match against Malaysia, they came back from a two-goal deficit.

While against Australia, goalkeeper Ali Khan saved a penalty stroke, Priyobarta scored a late equaliser in the final league match against New Zealand. After the heartbreak of not reaching the final, the team put on a clinical display against the Black Sticks in the bronze medal match.

The two late goals as well as the early advantage in the penalty shootout for the opposition notwithstanding, goalkeeper Bikramjit pulled off a couple of strong saves to secure his side the victory.

Also Read: Sultan of Johor Cup: Full list of title winners

Decent start for coach Sreejesh

Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, one of the all-time greats for India, started his coaching stint with the junior hockey team on a decent note. While he would have wanted the three-time winners to secure another title, Sreejesh will have bigger ambitions and would be keeping an eye ahead, on the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, set to take place at home.

The five-time Olympian would also be wanting to iron out the flaws: the goalkeeping errors, the lack of cohesiveness in defense and the inability to convert penalty corners. He would be hoping that the Hockey India League can play a role in that, incidentally a league in which he will be involved as the Director of the Delhi SG Pipers.

A number of players too showed immense skill and potential, and they would be hoping that coach Fulton has taken note of their performances, and that they will be present in his scheme of things going ahead.

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