The Indian junior hockey team commenced their European Tour with a 2-2 (4-2 in the shootout) triumph over Belgium in their inaugural match held in Antwerp, Belgium. Vice-Captain Shardanand Tiwari netted twice for the Indian colts, scoring in the 3rd and 27th minutes.
Early in the game, Shardanand Tiwari, serving as vice-captain, secured the lead for the Indian junior men’s hockey team with a penalty stroke in the 3rd minute. They sustained their momentum throughout the initial quarter, ensuring they maintained their advantage heading into halftime.
In the second quarter, Shardanand Tiwari (27′) extended the team’s lead with another successful penalty stroke, ending the first half with the visitors ahead 2-0.
Belgium managed to score from a penalty corner early in the third quarter, narrowing the goal difference to one. Despite both teams’ efforts, no more goals were scored in the quarter, leaving the score at 2-1 in favor of the Indian junior men’s hockey team by the end of the third quarter.
Entering the final quarter with a one-goal lead, the Indian Colts faced persistent pressure from Belgium, who equalized with a late penalty corner goal just minutes before the end of regular time. As no further goals were scored, the fourth quarter concluded with a 2-2 score, leading the game into a shootout.
In the shootout, Gurjot Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Dilraj Singh, and Manmeet Singh successfully converted for the Indian Colts, while goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh made two crucial saves. This performance secured a 4-2 shootout victory, marking a successful start to their Europe tour.
The Indian Junior Men’s team is set to face Belgium again in their next match, scheduled to take place in Breda, Netherlands, on May 22.