Hockey is now talk of the town. Indian junior men’s team, often appearing a struggling unit except first two encounters in the pool here in Lucknow, came out of tight situations to stand tall and count.

They are in the Junior World Cup final.

They overcame self-inflicted pressure — kind of which killed their quest as host last time — and also the one that came from the crowd. Today is D-day as India expects them continue their winning streak.

Indian colts encountered many a crucible situation, which brought out spark in our stars, and they are now in the limelight.

Yes, Mandeep Singh certainly catches everybody’s eyes. When things went bad against Canada he stunned them with a tap in to give India a breather 1-0 just seconds before first session ended.

Having played in the senior side in half a dozen tournament including London Champions Trophy, he had vast experience with him.

And it told.

He got Man of the Match award, maximum one can get in the league phase.

However, his great skill and hawkish goal hunger reflected the manner he surprised the Aussies in the crucial semifinal.

An Australian defender was trying to take a overhead close to rival circle. Short but full of opportunism, Mandeep Singh raised his stick high enough to cut its flight, passed to another forward and received inside D and then struck to the right of goalie.

the 15k plus crowd was waiting for something like this cracker and he just did.

India then went on to blow the Aussies away in the shoot out.

Simranjit Singh is stoutly built, always smiling. He is actually the smiling assassin of Indian colts team.

He is tireless all rounder, and is now known for some of the sharp goals he produced in the tight matches.

Dipsan Tirkey is a solid defender.

His role in the team is exceptional. He doesn’t come to press conference nor mingle with media.

In fact he likes just being there. Its for other teams to take note of him, lest their forwards will never have any leeway.

Dipsan’s show came in for praise in the semifinal against strong and strategically strong Australians.

It was his sound defence, and then aggressive push ups that set many goal scoring opportunities. If the Indians get accolades now Dipsan is the unsung hero.

Vikas Dahiya went Rio, getting himself selected on merit.

He could not have overtaken PR Sreejesh, and had his chance yesterday to get his share of limelight.

Apart from his sterling show inside 70 minutes, he came out with his best in the shoot out.

He blocked two Australians strikers to take India to the dream final.

Its known to everybody who watches rise of young stars that Harjeet Singh will do well. He lived up to his expectation at Dhyan Chand Stadium, Lucknow.

He is a motivator through performance.

Harmanpreet Singh, a senior in the team like Mandeep, is solidity personified, and a bullwark on the back. He may not have been as succcessful as he was so before, but is confident in whatever he does. He was the man of the moment against Spain the quarters, and what a defence that came from this youngster.

Hockey colts Mandeep Singh, Simranjit Singh, Dipsan Tirkey, Harjeet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and Vikas have promoted themselves to stardom.