By Kuldeep Panwar | Chennai: The Indian Junior Hockey Team booked their place in the semifinals of the Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 after a breathtaking penalty shootout victory over Belgium at Chennai’s Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. India triumphed 4-3 in the shootout, edging past a formidable Belgian side and keeping alive the dream of repeating their historic 2016 success.
Tight Contest Until the Third Quarter
India had faced relatively weaker teams in the pool stages, giving them a smoother path to the quarterfinals. However, the clash against Belgium on Friday night marked their first real test. Belgium’s Gaspard Cornez-Massent opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a thunderous left-flank tomahawk drive, leaving Indian goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh with no chance.
Despite seven circle entries and two penalty corners in the first half, India could not break through Belgium’s tight man-to-man marking. In the second half, mentor PR Shrijesh made tactical adjustments. Just 17 seconds before the third quarter began, India earned another penalty corner, which captain Rohit expertly converted, leveling the score at 1-1.
Dramatic Finish and Shootout Triumph
India earned another penalty corner in the 48th minute, and Sharda Nand Tiwari powered a drag flick into the net, putting India ahead 2-1. In a desperate last-minute tactic, Belgium’s coach Sean Danser removed his goalkeeper for an extra attacker, creating a flood of pressure on the Indian goal. This risky move paid off as Nathan Rog struck a superb goal just a minute before the final whistle, tying the game 2-2 and sending it into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, India emerged victorious 4-3, with Prince Deep Singh making crucial saves and Sharda Nand Tiwari scoring three decisive goals. Their heroics ensured India’s place in the semifinals against defending champions Germany.
Looking Back: India’s Junior Hockey Legacy
India has reached the Junior Hockey World Cup final twice in history. The first was in 2001 in Australia, where they defeated Argentina to claim the trophy. The second, in 2016 in Lucknow, saw India lift the title with a 2-1 victory over Belgium. With Germany standing in the semifinals, India aims to revive that glory and bring home the trophy once again.
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