Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team Triumphs Over Belgium in Europe Tour
Victory in Belgium
The Indian junior women's hockey team maintained their impressive form during their European tour, securing a notable victory against Belgium.
On Tuesday, India narrowly defeated the Belgian team with a score of 2-1 at the Hockey Centre of Excellence located in Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp. According to a statement from Hockey India, Lalthantluangi (35') and Geeta Yadav (50') were the goal scorers for India.
The first half ended without any goals, as both teams struggled to find the net in a closely contested match. It wasn't until the 35th minute that India broke the deadlock, with Lalthantluangi converting a penalty stroke.
Belgium equalized in the final quarter when Van Hellemont (48') scored a field goal. However, just two minutes later, Geeta Yadav responded with a field goal of her own, securing the win for India.
In the last ten minutes, India showcased solid defense to repel Belgium's attempts, ensuring their victory.
Following two consecutive wins, the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team is set to face Belgium again on June 12 for the final match of their European tour.
The team is on a five-match tour from June 8-17, competing against Belgium, Australia, and the Netherlands.
After a successful stint at the Four Nations Tournament in Rosario, Argentina, where they faced tough competition, the team began their European tour with three matches against Belgium at the Hockey Centre of Excellence in Antwerp. They will then take on Australia at Beerschot Tennis Hockey Padel Club in Kontich, before concluding the tour against the Netherlands at Hockey Club Kampong in Utrecht.
During their time in Argentina, the Indian team delivered commendable performances, achieving a 2-1 victory and a 2-2 draw (losing 2-3 in a shootout) against Chile, a 1-1 draw (winning 2-0 in a shootout) and a 2-4 loss against Argentina, and two wins against Uruguay—3-2 and 2-2 (winning 3-1 in a shootout). This tour has been crucial for the team's preparation, providing essential experience in high-pressure situations and exposure to diverse playing styles.
These matches are also vital for India's preparation for the upcoming International Hockey Federation (FIH) Women's Junior World Cup 2025, which is set to take place in Santiago, Chile, in December 2025. Competing against strong international teams in various conditions will help refine the squad's strategies, enhance their match readiness, and build the confidence necessary for success on the global stage.