YOUNG TIGERS' LOSING STREAK CONTINUES AT SOJC 2024

The national under-21 squad managed by I. Vikneswaran suffered another defeat at the 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC), losing 4-2 to India at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.

Vikneswaran remained proud of his players' effort, even though they failed to maintain their momentum after leading India 2-0.

"I admit we played poorly against Japan, but today the players were determined to surprise India and not play defensively. Only when we were leading 2-0, the players didn't know what to do.

"This is only the third match for this group of players. They are still learning and need years to control a match in tough moments. Whatever happens, I'm sure we can be better after this," said Vikneswaran during the post-match media session on Tuesday.

The country's young squad started the match well, taking the lead through a field goal by Muhammad Danish Aiman as early as the eighth minute. A minute later, they added a second through Harris Osman's penalty corner.

India hit back quickly through a penalty corner by Nand Tiwari Sharda in the 11th minute, and two minutes later the visitors equalised through Arshdeep Singh.

After a goalless second quarter, India came out aggressively in the third, taking the lead through Priyobarta Talem in the 39th minute. Before the national team had time to recover, the visitors scored their fourth through Rohit's penalty corner in the 40th minute.

Neither team added to the score in the fourth quarter, and the 4-2 scoreline held until the final whistle. It was the third consecutive loss for the country's young squad.

In Tuesday's other matches, Australia beat Japan 5-1 and New Zealand drew 1-1 with Great Britain.