India’s Comeback Ends in 3–3 Draw Against Pakistan at Sultan of Johor Cup
The India–Pakistan rivalry took on a new route of sportsmanship at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2025, where the Indian junior men’s hockey team fought back from a two-goal shortfall to hold Pakistan to a 3–3 draw in an intense and emotional contest in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Whenever India and Pakistan meet on any field, the clash carries more than just about the game; it goes beyond decades of shared history and rivalry to political tensions.
Ahead of this encounter between the enemy countries, both federations had emphasised discipline and composure, determined that the focus should remain on hockey rather than controversy and personal vendettas. That spirit was evident throughout the match from both teams.
Pakistan began strongly, maintaining control in the early stages of the game.
In the fifth minute, Hannan Shahid successfully converted a penalty stroke, giving Pakistan a 1–0 lead. Their pace in the midfield troubled the Indian players, and by the 39th minute, Sufyan Khan took the lead from a penalty corner, doubling the advantage to 2–0 for Pakistan.
At that point, India looked unsettled, struggling to finish attacking moves despite maintaining decent records. The team’s forwards missed a couple of close chances, while Pakistan’s goalkeeper stood.
The third quarter brought in a complete shift in momentum. India began pressurising and started taking on the game.
A penalty stroke in the 43rd minute gave Araijeet Singh Hundal the chance to pull one back, which he did confidently to make it 1–2.
Barely minutes later, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha pounced on a loose ball inside the equaliser at 2–2. Suddenly, Pakistan’s defence looked rattled.
The comeback highlighted India’s capability of bouncing back in the game and their key traits at this level. The young side showed strength, refusing to let early setbacks dictate the outcome.
Just when it looked like India would walk away with full points, Pakistan produced a late rise. Sufyan Khan once again came through, converting a second penalty corner to level the match 3–3. Both teams pushed for a winner in the final moments, but neither could break the deadlock. The result meant both sides shared a point each.
Perhaps the most striking moment came after the final whistle. Despite the tense atmosphere, players from both sides were seen exchanging smiles and a high-five.
Images of the gesture circulated widely on social media, earning praise from fans across India and Pakistan. Many called it a rare but welcome reminder of what sport is meant to embody: respect, solidarity, and unity beyond rivalry.
This stood in contrast to recent tensions between the two countries in other sports, especially cricket, and was hailed as an example of how the next generation can lead by example.
Coming back from a 0–2 against Pakistan in such a high-pressure game will give the young players confidence as the tournament progresses. For Pakistan, the ability to snatch a late equaliser reflected their spirit.
