Hyderabad, December 11(HS): The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team created history by clinching their first-ever bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 in Chennai, producing a stunning 4–2 comeback victory over Argentina. The hosts fired four goals in just eleven minutes to seal third place.

Argentina had taken an early lead through Nicolas Rodriguez (3’), followed by Santiago Fernandez (44’), but India turned the match on its head with goals from Ankit Pal (49’), Manmeet Singh (52’), Shardanand Tiwari (57’), and Anmol Ekka (58’).

India dominated possession early on but conceded against the run of play after Rodriguez converted a penalty stroke. Despite eight circle penetrations in the first half, India trailed 1–0 at the break as Argentina’s compact defence held firm.

The hosts came out aggressive in the second half, earning multiple Penalty Corners, but Argentina doubled their lead late in the third quarter. Princedeep Singh kept India alive with a sensational double save before the late surge began.

A brilliant PC routine in the 49th minute saw Ankit Pal deflect in Ekka’s dragflick. Moments later, another set-piece move allowed Manmeet Singh to level the score. With momentum on India’s side, Shardanand Tiwari converted a penalty stroke to give India the lead. Argentina removed their goalkeeper in desperation, but India capitalised again, with Ekka scoring from a Penalty Corner to complete the comeback.

Following the win, Hockey India announced ₹5 lakh each for players and ₹2.5 lakh for support staff.

Germany Clinch Eighth Title

In the final, Germany defeated Spain 3–2 in a shootout after the match ended 1–1 in regulation time, securing their record-extending eighth Junior World Cup title.

About the Junior Hockey World Cup

The tournament, first held in 1985, was traditionally a quadrennial event but has been organised every two years since 2021. Players must be under 21 by December 31 of the preceding year. Fourteen editions have been held so far: Germany leads the honours list with eight titles, followed by Argentina and India with two each; Australia and Pakistan have won once each.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar