The high-flying Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team received its first true test of the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, surviving a nerve-shredding penalty shootout to defeat a formidable Belgian side 4-3, after the contest ended 2-2 in regulation time.
The victory at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium not only secures India’s semi-final berth but represents a major psychological victory over a traditional powerhouse, proving their mettle beyond the group stages.
India entered the quarter-finals on the back of an unprecedented 29-goal rampage across their three group matches against relatively weaker opponents. Chief coach P.R. Sreejesh had cautioned that the “real tournament starts now,” and Belgium, a side known for its defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat, provided exactly the stern challenge he predicted. The match was a cagey, tactical battle from the whistle, a stark contrast to India’s free-scoring displays, as both teams neutralized each other’s midfield strengths.
The defensive deadlock finally broke late in the game. India leveraged their set-piece strength, with drag-flick specialist Sharda Nand Tiwari stepping up to convert a crucial penalty corner in the final quarter, giving the hosts a hard-fought 2-1 lead.
The home crowd’s celebration was cut short as the Young Red Lions launched a desperate final push. In the 59th minute, a late defensive lapse in the Indian circle allowed Belgium’s Lucas Balthazar to pounce, netting the agonizing equalizer that silenced the stadium and forced the quarter-final into the unpredictable theatre of a penalty shootout.
The shootout quickly descended into a battle of nerves and penalty strokes. Due to multiple fouls on attacking Indian players who were obstructed or denied clear shots, the umpire awarded penalty strokes in rapid succession.
It was here that the true heroes emerged. Sharda Nand Tiwari displayed remarkable composure, stepping up three times and converting three consecutive penalty strokes—a feat requiring immense concentration under overwhelming pressure—to keep the scores locked at a tense 3-3.
The turning point arrived courtesy of Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh. Facing the final Belgian attempt from Mathis Lauwers, Prince Deep delivered a spectacular, match-defining save, his second heroic block in rapid succession during the critical final round.
With the advantage finally secured, the hopes of a nation rested on Ankit Pal. Ankit, maintaining a monk-like focus, stepped up and slotted the decisive shot past the Belgian keeper, Alexis van Havere, to seal the thrilling 4-3 shootout victory and spark an outpouring of relief and celebration in Chennai.
India now advances to the semi-finals, where they will face Germany.
Discussion about this post