India’s best ever performance in the tournament is the bronze medal in 2013
India’s best ever performance in the tournament is the bronze medal in 2013
History propels the Indian women’s hockey team to reach the finals for the first time in the FIH Junior World Cup but three-time champions, Netherlands await a tough test in the semi-finals here on Sunday.
India’s best performance so far in the tournament is to secure a bronze medal at the 2013 edition in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
The Indians, who remained unbeaten in the tournament so far, beat Wales 5-1 to beat Germany (2-1), Malaysia (4-0) and Korea (3-0).
It was a concerted effort by all departments from the Indian side in the tournament so far for the Salima Tete-led side.
India’s forward line has become bright with the strikers scoring 12 goals and scoring just two goals so far.
Young striker Mumtaz Khan has dazzled everyone’s eyes with six goals so far, while Lalremsiami, Lalrindiki and Sharmila Devi completed it brilliantly.
The presence of three Tokyo Olympians in the form of captain Tete, Lalremsiami and Sharmila has worked wonders for the Indians in the tournament in terms of their experience.
Credit must also go to the Indian midfield who played a vital role in creating many scoring opportunities for the team.
While one expects contributions from the forwardline and midfield, it is the backline of the team led by goalkeeper Bichu Devi Karibam that stands out so far.
Young Bichu, who recently made his senior team debut in the FIH Pro League, has been a revelation under the bar for India, deflecting the opposition with breath-taking savings on several occasions.
But apart from his performance, Bichu’s mysterious celebration after every save caught everyone’s attention.
Having said that it will not be easy against the Dutch as apart from being three-time champions, they finished runners-up in the final edition of the event in Santiago, China and would be keen to reverse that result at this year’s event.
Like India, the Netherlands finished their pool engagement at the top with three wins in as many games and then beat South Africa 5-0 in the quarter-finals.
But in on-form India, Dutch girls will face their first real test in the competition.
Germany and England will face each other in the second semi-final.