India in semis of Hockey Junior World Cup

India continued its dominant run at the Junior Hockey World Cup in Chennai, securing a sensational victory over Belgium in a nail-biting quarterfinal clash on Friday. With this win, the young Indian team marched confidently into the semifinals, keeping its title hopes alive.

The match kept spectators on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Belgium struck first, scoring in the 13th minute and maintaining a 1–0 lead for a long stretch. Despite the mounting pressure, India held firm, preventing Belgium from extending the advantage.

India’s breakthrough finally came in the 45th minute when Rohit scored the equalizer. Just three minutes later, Shardananand netted another to push India ahead 2–1. Victory seemed certain until Belgium struck back in the final moments to level the score 2–2, sending the match into a tense penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Shardananand showcased remarkable composure, converting three attempts successfully. Belgium also matched with three successful strikes, keeping the contest intense. Both sides missed their fourth attempts.

Ultimately, in the decisive fifth attempt, Belgium faltered while India’s Ankit Pal calmly slotted the ball into the net, sealing a memorable 4(3)–2(4) win.

Along with India, Spain, Argentina, and Germany have also entered the semifinals. India will face Germany in the semifinal clash scheduled for Sunday.