The Indian Junior Women Hockey Team has made a statement on their European tour with two commanding wins over World No. 7 Belgium, showcasing resilience, tactical discipline, and promising firepower.
Playing at the Hockey Centre of Excellence, Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp, the young Indian side began their preparations for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 in style, beating the hosts 3-2 in the opening encounter and following it up with a clinical 2-1 win in the second match.
Match 1: India 3-2 Belgium — Comeback Victory in Antwerp
In the tour opener, the Indian juniors showed great fighting spirit to come back from a goal down and snatch a thrilling 3-2 win over Belgium. The match began with India drawing first blood through Geeta Yadav in the 11th minute. Belgium, however, regrouped quickly and hit back with two goals — Marie Goenns equalised in the 25th minute before Louise Van Hecke put the hosts in front early in the third quarter.
Just when momentum seemed to be slipping away, India mounted a strong response. Sonam brought the visitors level in the 40th minute with a sharp field goal. Five minutes later, Lalthantluangi converted a penalty corner to give India the lead once again. The final quarter was all about India’s disciplined defence, as they denied Belgium a chance to draw level again, and walked away with an encouraging win to open the series.
Match 2: India 2-1 Belgium — Late Goals Seal Series Win
Riding high on confidence from the first win, the Indian juniors delivered another composed performance in the second match, beating Belgium 2-1 to seal the two-match mini-series.
The game was goalless in the first half, with both teams testing each other but unable to break through. The deadlock was finally broken in the 35th minute, when Lalthantluangi calmly slotted home a penalty stroke to put India ahead. The Belgians, under pressure, pushed back and managed to draw level shortly after.
But India kept up their attacking intent, and in the 50th minute, Geeta Yadav stepped up once again, scoring the winning field goal. The Indian defence, led by a disciplined backline, stood tall in the closing moments to protect the lead and secure a well-earned win.
Key Players and Standouts
- Lalthantluangi: The midfielder emerged as a crucial contributor with two goals in as many matches, including a penalty corner and a penalty stroke. Her ability to deliver under pressure highlights her maturity and growing influence on the team.
- Geeta Yadav: With two goals from open play, Geeta has shown excellent positioning and finishing ability, making her one of the stars of the tour so far.
- Sonam: Scored a vital equaliser in the first match, turning the tide in India’s favour during a critical phase.
All Goals in Second Half — A Sign of Fitness and Mental Fortitude
An interesting takeaway from both matches is that all five of India’s goals came in the second half. This is a strong indicator of the team’s physical preparedness and tactical depth. The ability to stay sharp and execute under fatigue — especially against a top-10 team — bodes well for India’s campaign ahead.
A Bigger Picture: Building Towards the Junior World Cup
This five-match tour is a crucial step in India’s roadmap to the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025, set to be held in Santiago, Chile, later this year. After a competitive showing at the Four Nations Tournament in Rosario, Argentina, the young squad has carried forward its momentum to Europe.
India will now play a third match against Belgium in Antwerp, before heading to Kontich to take on Australia, and then wrap up the tour with a high-stakes fixture against the Netherlands at Hockey Club Kampong in Utrecht. These matches are designed to expose the players to different playing styles, intensities, and tactical challenges.
With a 2-0 lead in the Belgium leg of the tour, India will look to continue experimenting with combinations and give more players international exposure. The wins are not just morale-boosting but also underline the squad’s depth and readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.
This tour is not just about results — it’s about learning, growth, and building a battle-hardened unit. And with two solid wins against a top European side, the Indian junior women are off to a strong start.
Indian Junior Women’s Results So Far
🇮🇳 India 3-2 Belgium (Goals: Geeta, Sonam, Lalthantluangi)
🇮🇳 India 2-1 Belgium (Goals: Lalthantluangi, Geeta)
Next Up: India vs Belgium — Match 3, followed by fixtures against Australia and Netherlands.
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