JMWC 2016: India peaks timely and win the invaluable Cup

The billboards on the stands were removed to accommodate more and swelling crowd. The atmosphere was festive and electric to a level unheard of in hockey, and amidst a frenzy 17, 000 full throat crowd, Indian colts delighted with a highly tactful game to win their Junior World Cup crown.

India regained the Allen Danet’s Trophy after a gap of 15 years, having won its maiden title in Hobart 2001.

Unlike in the previous knock out matches in the Lucknow razzmatazz where India fell in arrears by the half time, India turned the table on the precise rivals.

First, Gurjant Singh drilled a hole in the Belgians in the circle with a spectacular forehand that crashed on the other side (1-1).

This came after India again failed to convert first two penalty corners like it did in the every knock out matches.

However, the script was turned for better today with the Gurjant goal.

Two minutes later, ever reliable Simranjit Singh punctured the Belgian cage after hard working Nilakanta Sharma just missed out a sitter-like ball.

Thereafter India deployed all its might to safeguard the treasure.

On change of sides, as only expected, the rival team was methodical in approach and waged full pledged attacks. Marshalled by Harmanpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh and Dipsan Tirkey, India did not yield

However, whenever it made counters where right winger Vikramjit Singh was exemplary, it got its chances to enhance.

It got three penalty corners but the process, as was observed throughout the tournament, the process went haywire.

Relentless Belgium worked hard, changed the goalkeeper in order to pep up the attack with an extra player, and were many times close to scoring. This last three minutes were hell of a time for the ultimate winners. However, after Simranjit Singh has knelt and thanked god, with just 18 seconds left, Belgium got a penalty corner which turned out to be their consolation.

Thereafter, celebrations followed.

Governor and Chief Minister of the State of Uttar Pradesh were present to grace the occasion.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav presented the Allen Danet’s trophy to India, which again set the stands to a wild celebrations.

RESULTS

7th/8th Place: England 2 vs Netherlands 6.

5th/6th Place: Argentina 2 vs Spain 1.

3rd/4th Place: Germany 3 vs Australia 0.

Final: Belgium 1 vs India 2.

FINAL CLASSIFICATION

1. India

2. Belgium

3. Germany

4. Australia

5. Argentina

6. Spain

7. Netherlands

8. England

9. New Zealand

10. South Africa

11. Malaysia

12. Austria

13. Japan

14. Korea

15. Egypt

16. Canada

Awards

1. Best Player of the Tournament: Enrique Gonzalez de Castejon (Spain)

2. Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Loic van Doren (Belgium)

3. Up & Coming U19 Player of the Tournament: Timm Herzbruch (Germany)

4. Fair Play Award: New Zealand

5. Fans Choice Award: Harmanpreet Singh (India)

6. HERO Top Scorer of the Tournament: Edward Horler (England) – 8 goals.