Chennai, December 5, 2025 – India's junior hockey team has advanced to the semi-finals of the FIH Junior World Cup after a thrilling quarter-final victory against Belgium, winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw. However, head coach PR Sreejesh tempered the celebrations with a stern message to his players: "This is not the final, stay grounded".
The match against Belgium was a hard-fought contest. Belgium took an early lead in the 13th minute with a field goal from Gaspard Cornez-Massant. India managed to equalize in the 45th minute through a sensational drag-flick by captain Rohit. Sharda Nand Tiwari then put India ahead with a well-executed penalty corner in the 48th minute. However, Belgium equalized again in the 59th minute through Nathan Rogge, leading to a tense shootout.
Goalkeeper Princedeep Singh emerged as the hero of the shootout, making incredible saves that mirrored his coach, PR Sreejesh, a former Indian senior team goalkeeper. Ankit Pal scored the decisive goal in the shootout, securing India's place in the semi-finals. Princedeep acknowledged Sreejesh's influence, stating, "Have learnt a lot from Sreejesh and the confidence is up watching him, learning from him". Sharda Nand Tiwari also played a crucial role in the shootout, scoring thrice.
Despite the victory, Sreejesh was quick to address the team, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus. "The way I used to give the (other) players (a mouthful) as a player, I gave the same to the players as a coach. That's it. I sweetly made them understand that it was not final," Sreejesh said. He added, "To keep your feet on the ground is most important and we need to focus on the next match".
Sreejesh also highlighted areas where India needs to improve if they are to win the title. "Belgium played really well today, we expect the same from Germany too in the next match so we have to raise our level according to the occasion. What we need to do is score and that's the most important thing," he stated. He further emphasized the need to learn from their mistakes: "Another important thing is to focus on the mistakes you have committed... what is important is to learn from the mistakes we have committed inside opponent's D and how to get more outcome".
Sreejesh acknowledged the pressure the players faced during the quarter-final. "There is a pressure which comes with quarterfinals, and more pressure with semifinals and final. From quarterfinal stage we can't take any team easy," he said. He noted that the team had trained for situations like Belgium pulling out their goalkeeper but that pressure led to mistakes.
India will face Germany in the semi-final on December 7, 2025. Sreejesh wants his team to dream big, to think of the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics. He sees the Junior World Cup as a stepping stone for their careers.
