The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team is currently on a roll in their European tour, securing their third consecutive victory against Belgium on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The match, held at the Hockey Centre of Excellence in Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp, was a thrilling encounter that ended with a 3-2 scoreline in favor of the Indian side.
India started the tour with three matches against Belgium at the Hockey Centre of Excellence, Wilrijkse Plein, in Antwerp. They will then face Australia at Beerschot Tennis Hockey Padel Club, in Kontich, before wrapping up the tour with a match against the Netherlands at Hockey Club Kampong, in Utrecht.
The goal scorers for India in this match were Sonam (4'), Lalthantluangi (32'), and Kanika Siwach (51'), while Belgium's goals came from Marie Goenns (37') and Marte Marie (40'). The match was a testament to India's attacking prowess and resilience, as they had to fight back after Belgium leveled the score in the third quarter.
India made a strong start to the game, with Sonam scoring a field goal in the fourth minute, giving her team an early advantage. The team maintained the 1-0 lead through the first half. Lalthantluangi then extended India's lead in the 32nd minute, converting a penalty corner to make it 2-0. However, Belgium responded quickly, with Marie Goenns converting a penalty stroke in the 37th minute and Marte Marie scoring a field goal in the 40th minute, leveling the score at 2-2.
With the game hanging in the balance, Kanika Siwach stepped up for India, converting a penalty corner in the 51st minute to restore India's lead. The team then held on to their lead, displaying solid defense to secure the victory.
Earlier in the tour, on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, the Indian junior women's team edged out Belgium with a score of 2-1. Lalthantluangi (35') and Geeta Yadav (50') were the goalscorers for India in that match. After a goalless first half, Lalthantluangi opened the scoring with a penalty stroke in the 35th minute. Van Hellemont (48') equalized for Belgium through a field goal, but Geeta Yadav responded just two minutes later with a field goal to secure the win for India.
With three consecutive wins against Belgium, the Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team is now set to face Australia on June 14 as their European tour continues. This European tour is part of a five-match series that includes matches against Belgium, Australia and the Netherlands.
These matches are crucial for the Indian team's preparation for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2025, which will be held in Santiago, Chile, in December 2025. For the Junior World Cup, India finds itself in Pool C alongside former champions Germany, Ireland, and Namibia. The tournament will feature 24 teams for the first time, divided into six pools of four teams each.
