Jugraj Singh delivered a stunning four-goal performance as the Indian men’s hockey team overpowered Canada 14–3 on Saturday, securing top spot in the pool and booking their place in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final. India, coming off a thrilling 3–2 victory against New Zealand and having dropped only one match — a narrow loss to Belgium — will now face Belgium in Sunday’s summit clash.
India wasted no time asserting dominance. Nilakanta Sharma opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by Rajinder Singh in the 10th. Canada briefly answered through a Brendan Guraliuk penalty corner in the 11th minute, but India quickly regained control. Jugraj Singh and Amit Rohidas struck in the 12th and 15th minutes, giving India a commanding 4–1 lead.
The second quarter turned into a goal fest as India’s young squad — playing without several senior stars — continued to impress. Rajinder (24’), Dilpreet Singh (25’), and Jugraj (26’) extended India’s lead to a formidable 7–1 by halftime.
Canada managed to convert a penalty stroke through Matthew Sarmento early in the third quarter, but Jugraj’s hat-trick goal in the 39th minute and Selvam Karthi’s strike in the 43rd pushed India even further ahead at 9–2.
The final quarter brought a flurry of goals from both sides. Rohidas scored off a penalty corner in the 46th minute, and Jugraj added another through a penalty stroke in the 50th. Canada responded with Jyothswaroop Sidhu’s penalty corner conversion, but India closed the game in dominant fashion. Sanjay converted a penalty stroke in the 56th minute, and Abhishek fired in two quick goals in the 57th and 59th minutes to seal a commanding 14–3 win.
With this emphatic victory, India carries strong momentum into Sunday’s final as they prepare for a rematch against Belgium.