India have become the first nation to win the hockey junior World Cup at home. At the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium on Sunday night, India beat Belgium 2-1 to win their second world title after 15 years. India also became the only team besides Germany to win the Junior World Cup more than one time.
The final in Lucknow was dominated by India throughout as they attacked right from the word go.
India opened the score in the eighth minute through Gurjant Singh, who scored a wonderful reverse stick goal from a steep angle from the left side.
India lead 2-0 at half-time after a second goal through Simranjeet Singh who scored his third goal in 22nd minute.
The second half saw Belgium making inroads in the India area but the home teams defence never allowed to score. The Indians were excellent on the counter but failed to convert efforts into goal.
Belgium’s first real chance was in the 67th minute when they had only India goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya to beat but the reverse shot was deflected by the goalie with ease.
India pressed hard in the final two minutes to get their third goal but the Belgium defence was also good enough to deny them any goal.
With just 15 seconds to go on the clock, Belgium was awarded a penalty corner. With the clock expiring as Belgium took the penalty corner, India were assured of a win in the final.
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