India Defeat Belgium in Thrilling Shootout to Enter Junior Hockey World Cup Semifinals

Chennai, Dec 2025 : Goalkeeper Princedeep Singh emerged as India’s standout hero with a string of stunning saves while Sharda Nand Tiwari scored three times in the shootout as a spirited Indian junior men’s hockey team edged past Belgium 2-2 (4-3 in shootout) in a tense quarterfinal clash at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 here on Friday.

Princedeep, who was later adjudged Player of the Match, remained rock solid under pressure, especially during the decisive shootout where his swift reflexes and calm temperament proved decisive. His performance drew comparisons with his mentor and former Indian senior team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. The young custodian was outstanding in regulation time as well, particularly in the third quarter when he thwarted Belgium’s back-to-back penalty corner attempts.

“I have learned a lot from Sreejesh. Watching him build confidence and learning from his experiences motivates me every day. The atmosphere in Chennai was incredible and the crowd pushed us through,” said an elated Princedeep after the match.

While Princedeep anchored the defence, Sharda Nand Tiwari led the Indian charge in the shootout with remarkable composure, converting three penalty strokes under intense pressure. Ankit Pal sealed the victory by slotting the decisive goal to give India a narrow 4-3 edge in the shootout.

Belgium had taken an early lead through a field goal by Gaspard Cornez-Massant in the 13th minute, putting India on the back foot for much of the first half. The Europeans followed it up with a disciplined defensive structure that curbed India’s attacking momentum in the following quarter.

India, however, returned after the break with renewed intensity. The turning point came late in the third quarter when captain Rohit unleashed a powerful drag-flick in the 45th minute to bring India back on level terms. Moments later, in the 48th minute, Sharda Nand Tiwari converted a penalty corner with precision to put India ahead 2-1, triggering loud celebrations across the packed stadium in Egmore.

Belgium mounted a late comeback and struck back in the 59th minute through Nathan Rogge, forcing the match into a nerve-wracking shootout. Both teams exchanged goals under pressure, but India held their nerve better when it mattered most.

With this hard-fought victory, India advanced to the semifinals of the tournament and will now face seven-time champions Germany on December 7. The win keeps alive India’s dream of reclaiming junior world hockey supremacy on home soil.

Team Maverick