Image Source: Agencies

Held back champions The Indian junior men's hockey team held rival Pakistan to a 3-3 draw in an exciting opening game of the Sultan of Johor Cup on Friday by coming back from behind twice after falling down by a goal.
India managed to salvage a point from the tie with to goals from Amandeep Lakra (30'), Aditya Arjun Lalage (56'), and Uttam Singh (59'). Pakistan's goals came from Arbaz Ahmad (31', 58'), and Abdul Shahid (49').
Both teams played up to the hype, displaying some excellent hockey in the first game of the season. This created the excitement for an intriguing competition that will serve as a prelude to the teams competing in the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2023 in Malaysia this December.While it took some time for both teams to become comfortable and get over their early nervousness, India Junior Men's Hockey Team forward Angad Bir Singh had the first significant chance to score in the 12th minute. However, there was nobody at the far end to tip the ball in after his shot crossed the goal line.
Both sides played excellent defense to maintain a scoreless first quarter even though neither team was able to come up with any effective offensive setups.
Pakistan got off to a great start with a PC in the first minute of the second quarter. Yet, India's top rusher played excellent defence to keep Pakistan from scoring. India had many opportunities in the circle during the next five minutes, but a mistake in their The scoreline remained at 0-0 after the initial PC attempt.
Just seconds before the halftime siren went out, in the thirtyth minute, the reigning champions were eventually able to take the lead. Amandeep Lakra, a dragflicker, gave India a much-needed 1-0 lead.
After the 10-minute half-time break, Pakistan quickly got back on the field and equalized in the 31st minute thanks to a PC from Arbaz Ahmad. Indian continued to intensify their assault and showed no signs of being phased by the goal, displaying optimistic body language. In the 39th minute, Poovana Boby Chandura had a bold attempt at goal, but Pakistani goalkeeper Ali Raza made a great stop.
India made some promising incursions into the attacking circle during the following few minutes, but the goal remained out of reach.
The scoreboard showed a 1-1 deadlock to begin the final quarter, but both teams worked hard to get the crucial three points. However, Pakistan ultimately seized the lead 2-1 in the 49th minute thanks to a goal from captain Abdul Shahid that beat Indian goaltender Mohit from the upper left corner.Even though India scored a PC in the 50th minute to answer to this goal, the Pakistani goalie wasted the opportunity when he made a sharp stop off an Indian dragflick.
India had another opportunity through a PC with five minutes remaining, and they executed it brilliantly this time as well, with Aditya Arjun Lalage deflecting Ali Raza's pads' rebound.
The balancer guaranteed the last couple of moments stayed extreme with the two groups competing for a champ. Just shy of three minutes for the last hooter, Pakistan returned with a PC very much changed over by Arbaz Ahmad.
The 3-2 lead scarcely marked India's soul as they struck a dynamite field objective, because of Captain Uttam Singh in the 59th moment to divide the focuses with enemy Pakistan.