The Indian junior hockey team has commenced their Tour of Europe with a significant victory, securing a 2-2 (4-2 SO) win over Belgium in the first match of the tour, which took place in Antwerp, Belgium. Vice-Captain Shardanand Tiwari delivered an outstanding performance, scoring twice for the Indian colts.
Early in the game, vice-captain Shardanand Tiwari executed a penalty stroke, providing the Indian team with the lead. They sustained their momentum throughout the first quarter, entering the break with the lead still in hand. The second quarter witnessed Shardanand Tiwari returning to double the lead with another penalty stroke, concluding the first half with the visitors leading 2-0.
Belgium managed to reduce the goal deficit to one by converting a penalty corner early in the third quarter. The Indian team held strong, maintaining their 2-1 lead at the end of the third quarter. Despite having a one-goal lead going into the final quarter, Belgium continued to pressure the Indian Colts. With just a few minutes left in the game, the Belgians equalized by converting yet another penalty corner, sending the game into a shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Gurjot Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Dilraj Singh, and Manmeet Singh demonstrated their skill, scoring for the Indian Colts, while goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh made two crucial saves. This solidified their victory with a 4-2 shootout score, marking a successful start to their Europe tour.
Looking ahead, the Indian Junior Men’s team is set to face Belgium in Breda, Netherlands on May 22.
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