Indian colts look to extend momentum

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 30: Their mojo back after two resounding wins, defending champions India would bank on their attacking instinct and drag-flicking prowess to outwit European giants Belgium in the quarterfinal of the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup here on Wednesday.

One of the title favourites, India were slow to get off the blocks as they were stunned 4-5 by France before they got their acts together and thrashed Canada 13-1 and Poland 8-2 to finish second in Pool B and qualify for the knockout round.

But from here on, the Indians need to play their hearts out if they want to win the title for the third time.

The quarterfinal against Belgium will be a re-match of last edition’s final where India beat the European side 2-1 to claim the title under Harendra Singh in Lukcnow in 2016.

And come Wednesday, it is expected to be a hardfought tie. The team which utilises their chances is expected to come out on top.

India boast of a fiery attacking line-up with the likes of Uttam Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Sudeep Chirmako and Maninder Singh.

One of the title favourites, India were slow to get off the blocks as they were stunned 4-5 by France before they got their act together and thrashed Canada 131 and Poland 8-2 to finish second in Pool ‘B’ and qualify for the knockout round.

Uttam and Maninder, in particular, have been brilliant inside the opponents’ circle. To add to India’s strength is the presence of penalty corner options in vice-captain Sanjay Kumar, Hundal, Shardanand Tiwari and Abhishek Lakra, and all of whom have scored in the tournament so far.

Sanjay, in particular, has been in ominous form with set pieces and have registered back-to-back hattricks against France and Canada, while Hundal also scored three goals against Poland.

The midfield is in safe hands of skipper Vivek Sagar Prasad, who already has the experience of playing top-level hockey having been part of India’s historic bronze medal-winning campaign at the Tokyo Olympics.