The final between the two best teams in the Uttar Pradesh Hockey Junior World Cup Men Lucknow 2016, has generated plenty of buzz in the state considered to be the spiritual home of Indian hockey.
Over 8,000 hockey buffs are expected to throng the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium where the Harjeet Singh-led Indian team will take on Belgium in what promises to be an exciting title clash.
This is the first time in 15 years that the Indian junior men's hockey team has entered the Final of a Junior World Cup and the excitement was evident among the players on the eve of the Final. The players looked upbeat and eager to win.
"Belgium are a very strong side but we are also a very strong side don't forget that. Our players will bring their best hockey in the most important game. That's what they have been practising for a long, long time," stated Roelant Oltmans, who led the 90-minute training session on Saturday.
While Belgium considered as an emerging powerhouse in world hockey has showcased stellar performance with impeccable defence, India too have been consistent in their performance and have rallied back from a 0-1 setback to winning the game on three occasions (against England, Spain and Australia).
"We have been preparing for this day for last 2 years and 8 months. We feel good and are ready for it. Boys are upbeat and ready for the final encounter," stated Harendra Singh
Matches will be shown LIVE on Star Sports 4 & HD4 & streamed on Hotstar.
India will face Belgium in the Final match on Sunday, 18 December 2016 at 18.00 hrs IST.
