Sultan of Johor Cup: Pakistan beat China 8-3 and Japan rout Canada 8-1 before Malaysia's opener
Pakistan came from 3-1 down to beat China 8-3 and Japan thrashed Canada 8-1 on day one of the 14th Sultan of Johor Cup. Malaysia play China at 7.35pm on 18 October.
The 14th Sultan of Johor Cup began with two eight-goal wins at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Saturday, 17 October. Pakistan came back from two goals down to beat China 8-3, and Japan beat Canada 8-1 in the evening match. Hosts Malaysia start their campaign in the under-21 tournament against China, the team Pakistan beat, at 7.35pm on Sunday, 18 October.
Pakistan's second-half comeback
Pakistan went ahead in the 13th minute through Saifullah. China then took over the rest of the first half. Liang Haolin scored twice in quick succession, and Wang Yubo converted a penalty corner in the 25th minute to put China 3-1 up. Muhammad Farooq scored from a penalty corner on the half-hour mark, so Pakistan trailed only 3-2 at half-time.
After the break Pakistan scored six times without reply. Rana Waleed equalised in the 37th minute. Hamza Fayyaz and Ghulam Mustafa then added field goals, and Muhammad Usman scored from a penalty corner, so Pakistan led 6-3 going into the final quarter. A penalty stroke and a late penalty corner from Asam Haider completed the 8-3 win. Pakistan captain Muhammad Ammad was named man of the match.
Japan's big win over Canada
In the 7.35pm match, Japan beat Canada 8-1. The tournament's official results and Field Hockey Canada both confirm the score. After one round, Japan are top of the table on goal difference, ahead of Pakistan.
Five teams, one final
This year's tournament has five teams: Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, China and Canada. Each team plays the other four in a round-robin from 17 to 23 October. The top two meet in the final on Saturday, 24 October, and the third- and fourth-placed teams play for bronze the same day. RTM is the official broadcaster in Malaysia and is showing matches on its Sukan RTM channel.
Malaysia's group matches, all at Taman Daya:
- Sunday, 18 October: Malaysia v China (7.35pm)
- Tuesday, 20 October: Japan v Malaysia
- Wednesday, 21 October: Pakistan v Malaysia
- Friday, 23 October: Malaysia v Canada (7.35pm)
Also on Sunday, Pakistan play Canada at 5.05pm, before Malaysia's match against China.
Hosts hoping the senior team inspires them
The junior squad goes into the tournament soon after Malaysia's senior team won silver in men's hockey at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Johor's state executive councillor for youth and sports, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, said in RTM's report that he hopes the senior team's run will push the under-21s to win the title at home.
China's defeat on day one gives Malaysia some idea of what to expect. China scored three goals in the first half against Pakistan but did not score after half-time. Malaysia's three remaining games are against Japan, Pakistan and Canada. All three are on the schedule within five days of the China match, so a good start would matter in the race for a top-two finish.
Key takeaways
- Pakistan scored six unanswered second-half goals to beat China 8-3 in the Sultan of Johor Cup opener.
- Japan beat Canada 8-1 in the second match on 17 October.
- Malaysia open against China at 7.35pm on Sunday, 18 October at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
- Five teams play a round-robin, and the final is on 24 October.
FAQ
What time is Malaysia v China at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026? The match starts at 7.35pm Malaysia time on Sunday, 18 October, at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru.
Which teams are playing in the 2026 Sultan of Johor Cup? Five under-21 teams are taking part: Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, China and Canada.
When is the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026 final? The final between the top two teams in the round-robin is on Saturday, 24 October. The third-place match is also that day.
Sources: Sports247, The Express Tribune, Minute Mirror, RTM, Field Hockey Canada, Sultan of Johor Cup