India beat Belgium 2-1 in the Junior World Cup final in Lucknow on Sunday. With the win, India lifted the coveted title for the second time in history. Gurjant Singh and Simranjeet Singh gave the hosts a commanding lead at half-time to make it 2-0 in India’s favour. Belgium’s Fabrice Van Bockrijck got one back for Belgium right at the end, but it was a little too late.
India had previously won the title in 2001 and were beaten in the final in 1997. However, on Sunday, they became the first team to win the tournament as the host nation. India dominated possession and were sturdy in the back, hardly giving Belgium any chances to score. In the end, a resolute defence and superb plays of counter-attack gave India the trophy.
A proud moment for the country as the little masters of our Indian Hockey Team reach the Junior Hockey World Cup finals! #HJWC2016
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 17, 2016
Congratulations Team India🇮🇳on winning the Junior #Hockey World Cup! Belgian chocolates are good but nothing beats Indian laddoos😉#INDvBEL pic.twitter.com/UFjipxzEre
— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) December 18, 2016
Congratulations @TheHockeyIndia on winning the Junior Hockey World Cup👏 You all made us proud👍 #HJWC2016
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 18, 2016
Congratulations to all @TheHockeyIndia and #Indian team for being champs of Junior Hockey World Cup. Brilliantly played 👏🏼👍🏼#INDvsBEL
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) December 18, 2016
Enjoy the Belgian Chocolate boys.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 18, 2016
Fantastic effort to win the #JuniorHockeyWorldCup . Super Proud!#IndVBel pic.twitter.com/qK0kxfb3BQ