India script sensational 4-2 comeback against Argentina; secure bronze medal at FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025
Chennai, December 11
The Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team scripted history, securing their first-ever bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 in Chennai, as per the Hockey India website.
The hosts recorded a sensational 4-2 comeback win against Argentina, scoring four goals in eleven minutes to secure third place in the tournament. Ankit Pal (49'), Manmeet Singh (52'), Shardanand Tiwari (57') and Anmol Ekka (58') scored for India after Nicolas Rodriguez (3') and Santiago Fernandez (44') had given the visitors the lead.
India began the game on the front foot, looking to make inroads against the Argentine defence. However, it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play with Nicolas Rodriguez (3') converting his penalty stroke. The hosts responded strongly after the early goal, looking for an instant response. India nearly found an opening towards the end of the first quarter, but they couldn't make the most of it.
It was an encouraging start for India in the second quarter, picking up from where they left off in the first. They began to grow into the game and created more notable chances, putting pressure on the Argentine defence, which remained compact on most occasions.
Dilraj Singh had a shot on target, while the hosts created a few half-chances with eight circle penetrations in the first half, continuing to dominate possession in search of the equaliser. However, Argentina held firm to close out the first half with a 1-0 advantage.
India got the ball rolling, earning a few Penalty Corners in the early exchanges of the third quarter. They remained relentless on the attack, asking questions of the Argentine defence that sat back. The visitors looked to play on the counterattack and did have their moments, but Princedeep Singh kept India in the game with a brilliant double save. Argentina eventually doubled their lead with Santiago Fernandez (44') slotting his effort into the back of the net towards the end of the third quarter.
The hosts continued to push forward in search of their opening goal and managed to get a Penalty Corner with around ten minutes to go. Anmol Ekka's expertly executed dragflick allowed Ankit Pal (49') to deflect it past the Argentine keeper, pulling a goal back for India. With momentum on their side, India executed a similar routine in another Penalty Corner two minutes later, with Manmeet Singh (52') profiting from Anmol Ekka's setup, bringing India back on level terms.
India then received a penalty stroke, and Shardanand Tiwari (57') made no mistake, putting India in front with less than three minutes to go. In search of their third goal, Argentina opted to play without a goalkeeper. They had an opportunity from a Penalty Corner, but the Indian defence remained resilient.
The hosts then put the result beyond all doubt after Anmol Ekka (58') turned from provider to goal scorer, converting from a Penalty Corner. With four goals in eleven minutes, India completed a sensational comeback to secure the bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025.
Following this historic win, Hockey India announced Rs 5 lakh each for players and Rs 2.5 lakh for support staff.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of our boys! Anmol Ekka was the star - a goal and two assists. That penalty corner routine was a masterclass. Hosting the World Cup in Chennai and winning a medal on home soil makes it extra special. Well done, team!
Great win, but we should aim for gold next time. The first half was a bit shaky in finishing. We had so many circle penetrations but couldn't convert. Still, a historic bronze is a fantastic achievement. Congrats to the entire team and support staff!
Watching from Canada! That was an incredible display of resilience. The momentum shift in the final quarter was unbelievable. Hockey India's cash reward is well-deserved. These young players are an inspiration.
The entire nation is celebrating! 🥳 This victory shows our grassroots hockey programs are working. From the senior team's Olympic medal to this junior bronze, we are becoming a consistent force. Onwards and upwards!
As a sports fan, that was one of the best comebacks I've seen in any sport this year. Four goals in eleven minutes under that pressure is phenomenal. The character shown by these young men is commendable. Well done, India!
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