The Indian Men’s Hockey Team began their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 campaign with a 1-0 victory against Korea at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Sunday. Mohammed Raheel (15’) scored the only goal of the match, securing the win for India.
India started the game brightly, stringing together neat passes and dominating possession in the early exchanges. After sustained pressure, Sukhjeet Singh came close to opening the scoring, hitting the post from close range. The team eventually made their positive start count when Mohammed Raheel (15’) finished a well-worked team move, giving India a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Korea looked to respond in the second quarter, creating a couple of chances on the counterattack. However, Mohith HS denied them an equaliser with a sharp save, ensuring India maintained their lead after a commanding first-half display.
India came out strongly in search of a second goal at the start of the second half, keeping Korea on the back foot and earning a couple of Penalty Corner opportunities, though these went unrewarded. As time ran down in the third quarter, India’s defence was tested, with Pawan called into action multiple times to preserve the lead heading into the final fifteen minutes.
In the fourth quarter, India pushed to secure the result. Kim Jaehan, Korea’s goalkeeper, was kept busy and made a crucial save to deny Abhishek from close range with less than seven minutes remaining. The Koreans continued to press for an equaliser, but the Indian defence held firm.
In the final minute, Korea earned a Penalty Corner chance to snatch a point, but Mohith HS stood tall once again, blocking the attempt and sealing a hard-fought win for India, thanks to their solid performance on both ends of the pitch.
India will next face Belgium on Monday at 15:30 IST. All matches of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 are being broadcast live on FanCode.
(IANS)