Indian team proved it’s worth yet again. The coach’s confidence about India’s win has been transformed into reality. They outshined England by 2-1 and bagged the Junior Hockey World Cup after a long wait of 15 years.
Indians showcased exemplary energy and form. The Indians were pre-emptive in all their moves and Varun Kumar, Parvinder Singh and Gurjant tested the Belgian defence. On being asked about India’s chances to bag the Junior World Cup Trophy , the Indian coach said, “Even if I don’t go to Lucknow and coach the team by remote, India will win it.”
In the first 22 minutes, India scored 2 goals, thereby making England lose strength. Gurjant Singh and Simranjeet Singh fetched super reverse hits.
Ultimately, the Europeans had a penalty corner with five minutes left in the first half but encountered a miss from striker Gregory Stockbroekx. Gurjant demonstrated immense strength to create a game-changer chance for India’s third goal.
India has now become the first host nation to win the Junior Hockey World Cup.
Prior to playing for the finals, Harendra Singh had said, “I learnt from mistakes in the 2005 World Cup and many other tournaments. I tried to play attacking hockey even when I knew I could defend. I realized that goals do look good but a victory by a goal or many goals gives you three points only.”
The best part however remains that this world cup has reaffirmed India’s capacity. Moreover, India’s defence is in safe hands till the next Olympics.
India has won myriad of laurels in this year. History of Hockey has been re-written by this gigantic triumph. Exactly 15 years ago, Indian team led by Gagan Ajit Singh’s team bought the trophy home. No world cup hockey achievements were recorded until yesterday when India carved out history by a strong play of impeccable performance.
