India defeated Malaysia 3-0 to win the 3rd Sultan of Johor cup at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru. India who lost the final were deserving winners on a day Malaysia failed to find the spark that had seen them make the final with relative ease.

With skipper Fitri Saari marked out of the match by Harjeet Singh, Malaysia lacked ideas to penetrate the tight Indian defence.

India thus made up for last years defeat in the final against germany where they were beaten 3-2.

The terraces were overflowing and even at the road shoulders the crowd was at least ten deep as the spectators turned out in numbers to cherr Malaysia on.

It was estimated that some 15,000 were at the Taman Daya Stadium to watch the match, with thousands glued to their televesion sets at home.

India had a first look at goal in the 5th minute as Satbir Singh took a snap shot which was well padded away by Mohd Hafizuddin Othman. India started gaining in confidence as Malaysia relied on counter attacks.

India were awarded a penalty corner in the 13th minute but Amit Rohidass attempt was charged down by Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin and off a quick counter Mohd Syamim Yusof nearly scored after evading three defenders but sending his shot wide of the post and keeper Harjot Singh was a relieved man.

India took the lead in the 22nd minute after afine run on the left by Kothajit Singh whose cross came of the stick of Faiz Helmi and fell nicely for Amon Mirash Tirkey to score.

The Malaysian defenders were loose in their marking and that allowed Affan Yusof to move into the semi circle and his reverse stick hit went inches wide.

India forced three consecutive penalty corners in the 35th minute but the Malaysian defenders held firm but paid a heavy price as Muhammad Azri Hassan was yellow carded and Malaysia had to start the second half a man down.

India took advantage of their numerical advantage to force two penalty corners in the 42nd and 45th minutes. And off the second Amit Rohidass drag flick was palmed out by Hafizuddin.

Malaysia got their chance in the 47th minute when they were awarded a penalty corner. But Shahril Saabah was on the bench and a variation was used. Izad Hakimi had a slap shot that was saved by the keeper.

Another penalty corner in the 52nd minute for Malaysia was kept out by India and from a counter attack Ramandeep Singh outwitted Kavin Karthik for a clear run at goal. He relayed the ball to Affan Yusof who scored easily to make it 2-0 for India.

India created several chances to score, their forwards were missing sitters. But skipper Manprret converted their eight penalty corner in the 64th minute to make it 3-0 and the title was heading to the Indian shores.

Team Roster
Amit Rohidas, Amon Mirash Tirkey, Harjeet Singh, Harjot Singh, Imran Khan, Jarmanpreet Singh, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, Mohammad Amir Khan, Pardeep Mor, Prabhdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Satbir Singh, Sukhmanjit Singh, Surender Kumar, Sushant Tirkey, Talwinder Singh, Yousuf Affan

Champions: India
Runner Up: Malaysia
Third: Argentina
Fourth: Pakistan
Fifth: Korea
Sixth: England

Most Outstanding Player: Mohd Fitri Saari (Malaysia)
Top Scorer: Mohd Shahril Saabah (Malaysia) - 8 goals
Most Promising Player: Harpreet Singh (India)
Best Goalkeeper: Lee Se Young (Korea)
Fair Play Award: England