RGHA secures final berth with unbeaten run
Roundglass Hockey Academy (RGHA) has stormed into the final of the International Youth Hockey Cup 2026 (U-18) in Sydney, Australia, after an unbeaten group stage campaign. The academy team, led by coach Vikas Pal and team manager Sanjeev Kumar, won all five of its matches, scoring 31 goals while conceding just four.
The squad opened the tournament with an emphatic 8-0 victory over the New South Wales Lions, setting the tone for a dominant performance. They followed up with a clinical 5-0 win against Team Majulah Singapore and a hard-fought 5-2 victory over the NSW Singhs.
Consistent scoring and defensive solidity
RGHA continued its relentless form, dispatching Bobby Academy 6-1 in the fourth match and closing the group stage with a 7-1 win over Shepparton Hockey Academy. The team's attacking prowess was on full display, with an average of over six goals per game, while the defense remained resolute, conceding only four goals across the entire tournament.
According to the team management, the players showed exceptional tactical discipline and maturity, executing the game plan perfectly in each match. The academy's perfect record placed them at the top of the group standings, with NSW Singhs finishing second on 10 points (three wins, one draw, one loss), followed by Bobby Academy with nine points.
Final showdown set for Saturday
The grand final will be played on Saturday in Sydney, where RGHA will face the second-placed team from the group stage. The academy is now just one win away from adding another international title to its trophy cabinet, having already won the Sikh Union Club Nairobi Centenary Celebrations Hockey Tournament in Kenya earlier this year.
Coach Vikas Pal expressed confidence in the team's preparation, stating, "The boys have worked incredibly hard and shown great character. We are focused on the final and determined to bring the trophy home." Team manager Sanjeev Kumar added, "This performance reflects the quality of training and dedication at the academy. We are proud of the team's achievement and look forward to the final."
