India begin title defence with victory

Defending champions India opened their 4th Sultan of Johor Cup campaign on a winning note, defeating New Zealand 2-1 in their first match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Sunday.

In a hard-fought encounter between the two junior teams, India took the lead in just the fifth minute of the game, courtesy Parvinder Singh's field goal. The boys maintained their lead with some tight defence, while also continuing to make some good moves in the Kiwi circle. The score remained 1-0 at half-time.

The second half saw India upping their ante, and Varun Kumar ensured it became 2-0, converting a penalty corner in the 43rd minute. But New Zealand fought back 10 minutes later, also through a penalty corner by Nic Woods.

The game got dramatic in the dying minutes, with New Zealand earning a penalty corner just before the hooter. But much to the delight of the Indian contingent, they failed to convert it.

"Most of the boys represented the country for the first time and I am happy with the performance of the team," coach Harendra Singh said. India will now take on Great Britain in their second match on Monday.