Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team Triumphs Over Belgium in Europe

Victory Against Belgium

On June 13 in Antwerp, the Indian junior women's hockey team achieved their third straight victory during their European tour, defeating Belgium with a score of 3-2 at the Hockey Center of Excellence, Wilrijkse Plein.

The goals for India were scored by Sonam (4’), Lalthantluangi (32’), and Kanika Siwach (51’), while Belgium's Marie Goenns (37’) and Marte Marie (40’) found the net for their team.

India started strong, with Sonam netting a field goal just four minutes into the match. They maintained their lead throughout the first half and increased it in the third quarter when Lalthantluangi scored from a penalty corner in the 32nd minute.

Belgium responded quickly, leveling the match with two goals in quick succession during the 37th and 40th minutes. Goenns converted a penalty stroke for the first equalizer, followed by a field goal from Marte Marie.

With only nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Kanika Siwach scored the decisive goal from a penalty corner, securing India's victory and continuing their winning streak in Europe.

India had previously edged out Belgium in their opening match with a narrow 3-2 victory and followed it up with another close win of 2-1 in the second game.

The Indian junior women's hockey team is set to face Australia next on June 14 as part of their European tour.

These matches are crucial for India's preparation for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, in December 2025. India has been placed in Pool C alongside former champions Germany, Ireland, and Namibia, who are considered underdogs.

This tournament will mark a historic moment as it features 24 teams for the first time, divided into six pools of four teams each.