In a match brimming with raw emotion and edge-of-the-seat drama, the Indian junior men's hockey team secured a heart-stopping victory over Belgium to advance to the semifinals of the FIH Junior World Cup. The quarterfinal clash, played on December 5, 2025, at Chennai's Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, ended 2-2 in regulation time before the hosts prevailed in an extraordinary penalty shootout.
A Night of Highs and Lows at the Radhakrishnan Stadium
The match was an emotional rollercoaster for the packed home crowd. Belgium's Gaspard Cornez-Massant broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, becoming the first player to score past India's previously unbreachable defence in the tournament. India, dominant in possession but lacking clear chances, fought back relentlessly.
The turning point came in the final minute of the third quarter. Captain Rohit unleashed a blistering drag-flick that beat Belgian goalkeeper Alexis van Havere for pure pace, sending the stadium into a frenzy. The momentum shifted decisively in the 48th minute when Sharda Nand Tiwari converted a penalty corner, giving India a 2-1 lead and putting them on the brink of victory.
Late Heartbreak and Shootout Chaos
Just as celebrations seemed imminent, a costly turnover in the dying seconds proved costly. With Belgium having pulled their goalkeeper for an extra attacker, India lost possession while trying to push forward. The Europeans capitalised on the error, scoring a dramatic last-gasp equaliser with just 60 seconds remaining to force the match into a shootout.
The tiebreaker was nothing short of chaotic. Initial attempts were missed, and strokes were awarded repeatedly for fouls by both goalkeepers. Sharda Nand Tiwari was called upon three times from the spot. The tension peaked when a review by India, after a saved stroke, was controversially granted—a decision the Belgian captain later contested.
Princedeep Singh: The Hero Between the Posts
Amidst the shootout bedlam, young Indian goalkeeper Princedeep Singh emerged as the definitive hero. Inspired by his idol, senior team stalwart PR Sreejesh (who also wears jersey number 16), Princedeep made a series of crucial interventions. His most decisive moment was a spectacular double-save—first a huge stick tackle, followed immediately by a diving effort—that ultimately sealed India's passage to the last four.
After Ankit Pal converted the winning attempt, Belgium's final review only delayed the inevitable eruption of joy from the stands and the Indian camp.
Road Ahead: A Stern Test Against Germany
With this nerve-wracking win, India sets up a semifinal clash against defending champions Germany on Sunday. Senior goalkeeper and mentor PR Sreejesh, who had advised the team to "enjoy the pressure" before the Belgium match, indicated a mixed review was due. He stated he would let the players enjoy their night but promised "some stern words in the morning" to address the flaws evident during the match.
Despite the imperfections, the team showcased tremendous character to navigate an emotional whirlwind and overcome a formidable European opponent. The victory keeps India's dream of Junior World Cup glory alive on home soil, setting the stage for another epic encounter in the semifinals.
