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Key Points

The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team demonstrated remarkable resilience by defeating Belgium 3-2 in an intense match in Antwerp. Their victory came through strategic play and a crucial Penalty Corner goal by Lalthantluangi in the second half. This match is part of a broader European tour designed to prepare the team for the 2025 FIH Women's Junior World Cup in Chile. The performance highlights India's growing strength in international women's hockey, showcasing young talent and competitive spirit.

Key Points: India Junior Women's Hockey Team Defeats Belgium 3-2

  • India wins dramatic match with late Penalty Corner goal
  • Junior team prepares for 2025 World Cup
  • Geeta Yadav and Sonam lead scoring
  • European tour tests team's international capabilities
2 min read

Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team defeats Belgium 3-2

Young Indian women's hockey team secures thrilling 3-2 victory against Belgium in European tour opener

"A competitive contest showcasing India's emerging hockey talent - Hockey India Press Release"

Antwerp, June 8

The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team kicked off their tour of Europe with a fantastic win against Belgium, on Sunday. The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team won the game 3-2 at the Hockey Center of Excellence, Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp, Belgium, according to a release from Hockey India.

In what was a competitive contest, it was India who opened the scoring through Geeta Yadav (11'). However, in the second quarter, hosts Belgium equalised through Marie Goenns (25'). Soon after Belgium took the lead as Louise van Hecke (34') found the back of the net.

India came back fighting and it was Sonam (40') levelled things up. India continued to attack, and the pressure paid off as they won a Penalty Corner soon after, which was converted by Lalthantluangi (45'). After that, the Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team did not let Belgium get another equaliser, and walked away with the win.

The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team will play Belgium next on June 10 in the second game of their European tour.

They will then face Australia at Beerschot Tennis Hockey Padel Club, in Kontich, before wrapping up the tour with a match against the Netherlands at Hockey Club Kampong, in Utrecht, as per a press release from Hockey India.

In Argentina, the Indian side delivered strong performances against quality opposition. They registered a 2-1 win and a 2-2 (2-3 shootout) loss against Chile, earned a 1-1 (2-0 shootout) win and a 2-4 loss against hosts Argentina, and defeated Uruguay twice -- 3-2 and 2-2 (3-1 shootout). The tour served as an important step in the team's preparations, offering valuable lessons in handling high-pressure scenarios and adapting to different playing styles.

Notably, these matches are also a key part of India's preparation for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in Santiago, Chile, in December 2025. Facing strong international opponents in varied conditions will help fine-tune the squad's combinations, build match temperament, and instill the confidence required to perform on the world stage.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
What a thrilling match! 🇮🇳 The girls showed real fighting spirit after being down 1-2. Sonam and Lalthantluangi's goals were brilliant. This win against a strong European team like Belgium gives me hope for our future in hockey! #ChakDeIndia
R
Rahul S.
Great performance but we need to work on our defense. Conceding two goals against Belgium shows there's room for improvement before the Junior World Cup. Nevertheless, proud of our girls!
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Ananya M.
So happy to see Indian women's hockey rising! These junior players are the future stars. The Argentina tour experience seems to be paying off. Best wishes for the upcoming matches against Australia and Netherlands - tougher challenges await!
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Vikram J.
Hockey India deserves credit for arranging these international exposure tours. Playing against top teams in different conditions is exactly what our players need to prepare for big tournaments. The shootout experience in Argentina will be valuable.
S
Shreya P.
Geeta Yadav opening the scoring, Sonam equalizing, and Lalthantluangi with the winner - what a team effort! 😍 These names might not be famous yet, but remember them - they're going places! Hope they get proper support and facilities back home.
K
Karan D.
While celebrating this win, let's not forget the real test comes in December 2025 at the Junior World Cup. The team needs consistent training and more such exposure trips. Government should increase funding for women's sports.

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