A breathtaking performance that left fans in awe! The Indian men’s hockey team stormed into the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 final with a thunderous 14–3 victory over Canada in their final group-stage match in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Saturday. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
Jugraj Singh emerged as the star of the show, netting four goals for world No. 7 India. Meanwhile, Rajinder Singh, Amit Rohidas, and Abhishek each contributed two goals, showcasing an all-around attacking masterclass that overwhelmed the Canadian defense.
The action ignited early. Nilakanta Sharma opened the scoring just four minutes in, setting the tone. Six minutes later, Rajinder Singh—continuing his impressive streak since breaking into the senior squad—added another, putting India firmly in control. But Canada, ranked 20th globally, wasn’t content to stay quiet. They clawed back in the very next minute, as Brendan Guraliuk expertly converted a penalty corner to make it 2–1.
And this is where India’s true dominance began to shine. Without missing a beat, Jugraj Singh and Amit Rohidas responded with two quick goals in the 12th and 15th minutes, stretching the lead and crushing any hopes of a Canadian comeback.
With several senior stars rested for the tournament, India’s younger generation seized the spotlight with fearless intensity. By the second quarter, their momentum turned relentless—Rajinder found the net again in the 24th minute, Dilpreet Singh followed up in the 25th, and Jugraj immediately added another to complete a blistering trio of goals. By halftime, India had built a staggering 7–1 advantage.
Canada tried to regroup after the break. A slight tactical adjustment earned them a penalty stroke in the 35th minute, which Matthew Sarmento calmly converted to narrow the margin to 7–2. But India wasn’t about to let the pace drop. Jugraj completed his hat trick in the 39th minute, and Selvam Karthi added another just four minutes later, making it 9–2 by the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter turned into a goal fest. Amit Rohidas opened it with another penalty corner goal in the 46th minute, before Jugraj added his fourth of the night from the penalty spot in the 50th. Canada managed to pull one back through Jyothswaroop Sidhu—making it 11–3—but India’s young guns were still hungry. Sanjay converted a penalty stroke in the 56th minute, followed by two rapid strikes from Abhishek in the 57th and 59th to seal the rout at 14–3 before the final whistle.
It was domination in its purest form—speed, precision, and confidence all rolled into one. With that emphatic result, India secured their spot in Sunday’s grand finale, where they’ll lock horns with world No. 3 Belgium. Can India carry this explosive form into the final and claim the title? Or will Belgium’s experience prove too strong? Hockey fans are already divided, and the stage is set for a thrilling showdown. What’s your take—does this young Indian side have what it takes to finish the job?
