Ryosuke Shinahara’s four-goal haul guides Japan to a 5-0 victory over Canada in the third-place playoff at the 2026 Sultan of Johor Cup, matching their 2016 bronze-medal finish.
IPOH: Ryosuke Shinahara scored four goals as Japan thrashed Canada 5-0 in the third-place playoff to claim the bronze medal at the 14th Sultan of Johor Cup International Under-21 Hockey Tournament at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru on Saturday.
Japan matched their bronze-medal finish from 2016, the year they made their debut in the tournament.
The Japanese made a blistering start, racing to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter through Shinahara’s goals in the fourth and 15th minutes, while Tasuaki Yasui struck in the ninth minute.
Canada, competing in the tournament for the first time, showed glimpses of promise in the second and third quarters but struggled to find a breakthrough.
Their best opportunity came in the 38th minute when Navdip Chandi dribbled into the semicircle before his shot went wide, grazing the sideboard.
Japan stepped up the pressure in the final quarter, with Shinahara striking twice in quick succession in the 55th and 56th minutes to complete his four-goal haul and seal the emphatic victory.
His outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award, presented by Johor Hockey Association treasurer Murugan Nair.