Johor bahru

Defending Champions Indian Junior Men: Defending Champions Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team came from behind twice after trailing by a goal to hold nemesis Pakistan to a 3-3 draw in a thrilling opening match at the Sultan of Johor Cup on Friday.

It was goals by Amandeep Lakra (30'), Aditya Arjun Lalage (56') and Uttam Singh (59') that ensured India earned a point from the draw while Arbaz Ahmad (31', 58') and Abdul Shahid (49') scored for Pakistan.

Both teams lived up to the billing, producing some fine-skilled hockey in the campaign opener - setting the moment for an exciting tournament which promises to be a litmus test for the teams participating in the forthcoming FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2023 in Malaysia this December.