India won the bronze medal in the Five-Nation U-23 Men’s Hockey Tournament, defeating host Belgium 2-1 at Antwerp today. Led by Odisha defender Dipsan Tirkey, India played a total of five matches in this tournament, won two, drew two and lost one.

Ealier at the league stage, India beat Ireland 5-0, lost to Great Britain 1-3, drew with Belgium 1-1 and Netherlands 2-2. The 18-member Indian team also featured three from Odisha _ Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Shilanand Lakra and Pankaj Rajak.

According to Hockey India High Performance Director David John, the Antwerp tournament will help the team prepare well for the 8th Sultan of Johor Cup 2018, scheduled to be held in October this year.

INDIA JUNIOR MEN:

Goalkeepers: Pankaj Kumar Rajak, Prashant Kumar Chauhan
Defenders: Dipsan Tirkey, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Pardeep Singh, Mandeep Mor, Somjeet, Mohammad Faraz
Midfielders: Hardik Singh, Dharminder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Vishal Antil, Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem
Forwards: Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Abharan Sudev Belimagga, Mohammed Raheel Mouseen, Mohammad Umar.

RESULTS:
July 14: India (Raj Kumar Pal 20’, Muhammad Umar 25’, Mohammad Rahil 28’,60’; Shilanand Lakra 32’) beat Ireland 5-0.
July 15: India (Pradeep Singh 57’) lost to Great Britain (Tim Nurse 19’, Duncan Scott 34’, Cameron Gold 57’) 1-3.
July 17: India (Mohammad Umar 30’) drew with Belgium (Syril 34’) 1-1.
July 20: India (Mandeep Mor 27’,47’) drew with Netherlands (Marlon 1’, Jansen 11’) 2-2.
July 21: India (Rajkumar Pal 8’, Abharan Sudev Balimagga 59’) beat Belgium (Cyril 40’) 2-1.
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PHOTO: India Junior captain Dipsan Tirkey in action against Ireland in Antwerp on July 14, 2018.