Jugraj Singh scored four goals as the Indian men’s hockey team produced a dominant performance to crush Canada 14-3 in a high-scoring Pool match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Saturday. The win ensured India topped the pool standings and sealed a place in the final, where they will face Belgium on Sunday.
Having lost only to Belgium by a single goal earlier in the tournament, India came into this match buoyed by a narrow 3-2 victory over New Zealand in their previous outing.
How Did India Start Strong Against Canada?
India started the match in aggressive form as Nilakanta Sharma opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Rajinder Singh followed it up in the 10th minute, continuing his good form since making his debut for the senior team. Canada responded quickly as a penalty corner was converted in the 11th minute through Brendan Guraliuk to make it 2-1.
India continued with their intensity as Jugraj Singh scored in the 12th minute, while Amit Rohidas added one more in the 15th. Going into the first break, India had taken a 4-1 lead, thus setting the tone for the remaining match.
Who Kept India Ahead in the Second Quarter?
The onus was on the younger bunch of players, with senior stars rested, and they delivered under pressure. Rajinder Singh scored again in the 24th minute, while Dilpreet Singh found the target in the 25th minute. Jugraj Singh scored his second goal in the 26th minute as India went 7-1 up.
Canada attempted to respond, but struggled against India’s precise passing and clinical finishing as the first half ended with India comfortably in control.
How Did Canada Fight Back?
During the third quarter, Canada made slight tactical changes before earning a penalty stroke in the 35th minute, which Matthew Sarmento then converted to bring the score to 7-2.
In the 39th minute, Jugraj Singh completed his hat-trick, and a goal from Selvam Karthi in the 43rd minute extended the lead to 9-2 and ensured that India’s dominance continued.
What happened in the Final quarter against Canada?
The final quarter produced the most goals as both teams pushed forward. Amit Rohidas converted a penalty corner in the 46th minute, and Jugraj Singh added another from a penalty stroke in the 50th. Canada responded with a penalty corner goal from Jyothswaroop Sidhu, making it 3-11.
India continued to pile on the pressure as Sanjay converted a penalty stroke in the 56th minute, and Abhishek completed his brace in the 57th and 59th minutes. The match ended 14-3 in favor of India, highlighting their attacking skills and tactical superiority.
What’s Next For India?
Resultantly, they will face Belgium in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup on Sunday. With this emphatic win, confidence is high, and Jugraj Singh’s form will be key in the summit clash. The young Indian squad, with senior players rested, has been able to prove that it can handle pressure to deliver under high-stakes conditions.
