Australia's Horror Show In Junior Hockey World Cup Continues After 1-3 Defeat To England

Last Updated:December 07, 2025, 12:48 IST

Australia had won the tournament once way back in 1997 in Milton Keynes, England and since then they have been chasing the title despite being a hockey powerhouse.

Players of Australia and England vie for the ball during the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025. (PTI Photo)

Former champions Australia experienced another setback in the FIH Junior World Cup, losing 1-3 to England in the ninth to 12th classification match in Chennai on Saturday.

Australia, who entered the tournament with high confidence after their victory at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, continued to underperform, falling short once again. Despite being a powerhouse in hockey, Australia has been chasing the title since their lone win in 1997 in Milton Keynes, England.

For England, Kaden Draysey converted a penalty corner in the eighth minute, while Michael Royden (46th) and Ted Graves (60th) scored two field goals. Australia’s sole goal came from Kade Leigh in the 43rd minute.

In the 13-16th classification match, Malaysia defeated Switzerland 7-3 on Saturday. Aqil Mat (5th, 43rd) scored twice, with Handzalah Hadi (6th), Harris Osman (19th), Rahuul M (21st), Azimuddin Kamaruddin (37th), and Danish Khairil (46th) contributing additional goals. Switzerland’s goals were scored by Max Fischbach (13th), Leonard Kraxner (32nd), and Yannick Hug (53rd).

In another 13-16th classification game, Japan triumphed over Chile 3-1, while Ireland defeated South Africa 4-2 in another 9-12th play-off match. Ireland will now face England for the ninth position match.

Meanwhile, in Madurai, Bangladesh beat Korea 5-3 in the 17th to 20th classification contest. Star drag-flicker Amirul Islam (21st, 24th, 35th) showcased his talent with three goals, including two penalty corner conversions and one from a penalty stroke. Obidul Joy (52nd) and Rakibul Hasan (60th) also scored for Bangladesh. Minhyeok Lee (10th, 20th, 53rd) scored a hat-trick for Korea.

In other matches in Madurai, Austria defeated China 3-1 in a shoot-out after both sides were tied 1-1 in regulation time in a 17-20th classification contest. Egypt overpowered Oman 8-2 in a 21-24 classification match, while Canada emerged victorious over Namibia 3-1.

With PTI Inputs

News sports hockey Australia's Horror Show In Junior Hockey World Cup Continues After 1-3 Defeat To England

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