Chennai/Madurai, 3 December (H.S.): The Indian junior men's hockey team extended its unbeaten streak Tuesday with a commanding 5-0 victory over Switzerland at Madurai International Hockey Stadium, securing top spot in Pool B and a quarterfinal clash against Belgium on Friday, December 5.

Birthday Blitz Ignites Dominant Start

Captain Rohit led the charge under coach P.R. Sreejesh as birthday boy Manmeet Singh struck twice early—field goals in the 2nd and 11th minutes—setting an aggressive tone despite cyclonic weather drawing resilient crowds.

Sharda Nand Tiwari converted a penalty corner in the 13th minute for a 3-0 lead, while Arshdeep Singh, fresh off a hat-trick against Oman, added the fourth in the 28th with a sharp reverse slap shot.

Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh thwarted Switzerland's counters, including a late penalty stroke, preserving a clean sheet.

Clinical Finish Seals Pool Supremacy

Tiwari clinched Player of the Match honors with his second penalty-corner goal in the 54th minute, capping India's clinical display after prior demolitions of Chile (7-0) and Oman (17-0).

The two-time champions topped Pool B with nine points, advancing alongside Germany, Argentina, Spain, Netherlands, and France, plus runners-up Belgium and New Zealand. This flawless group stage underscores India's knockout readiness ahead of the Chennai showdown.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar