India's Junior Hockey Team Faces Belgium in Quarterfinal Clash

Quarterfinal Showdown in Chennai

The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team is set to compete against their long-standing rivals, Belgium, in the quarterfinals of the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025, taking place on Friday at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Egmore, Chennai. Under the guidance of coach PR Sreejesh, the team has shown impressive form during the round-robin phase, achieving notable victories against less formidable opponents. They secured a 7-0 win over Chile, a staggering 17-0 against Oman, and a 5-0 triumph over Switzerland. The goalkeepers have faced minimal challenges, while the offense has been prolific, amassing a total of 29 goals, the highest in the tournament thus far.

A Look at Past Encounters

Historically, India has had a competitive edge over Belgium in previous Junior World Cups. In the 2021 edition held in Odisha, India narrowly defeated Belgium 1-0, and in the 2016 tournament in Lucknow, they emerged victorious with a score of 2-1. Although the junior teams of both nations have not faced each other frequently in recent years, they are recognized as hockey powerhouses with robust domestic frameworks and U-21 programs, promising an exciting match.

Leadership Expresses Confidence

In anticipation of the match, coach Sreejesh expressed optimism, stating, "We are eager for a competitive match. Belgium is a formidable opponent, and our real campaign begins now. The substantial victories in the round-robin stage were crucial for building momentum and alleviating any pre-tournament jitters. I believe the players are prepared for this challenge."

Team captain Rohit also shared his thoughts, highlighting the team's positive spirit. "For some of us, this is our second Junior World Cup, while many are experiencing this prestigious tournament for the first time, which naturally brings some nerves. However, our performance in the initial three matches has boosted our confidence, and we are aware of our capabilities. We will give our all against Belgium," Rohit stated.

Match Details

India's quarterfinal match is scheduled for December 5 in Chennai.