India Script Sensational 4–2 Comeback Against Argentina to Secure Historic Bronze at FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025
Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team produced one of the most dramatic comebacks in the history of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, defeating Argentina 4–2 in the third-place playoff to clinch their first-ever bronze medal at the event. Roared on by a vibrant home crowd in Chennai, India scored four goals in a breathtaking eleven-minute spell, turning a seemingly lost contest into a moment of national celebration.
The historic achievement was followed by a fitting reward, as Hockey India announced a cash award of INR 5 lakh for each player and INR 2.5 lakh for every member of the support staff, recognising the effort, resilience and composure shown by the squad on the global stage.
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Argentina struck first and early, taking advantage of a rare lapse in the Indian defence. Nicolas Rodriguez (3’) calmly converted a penalty stroke to give the South Americans a 1–0 lead. Despite conceding early, India did not lose shape or belief. The hosts continued to play with intent, pressing high, moving the ball quickly through midfield and looking to exploit spaces inside the Argentine circle.
India nearly found an equaliser late in the first quarter, but the finishing touch eluded them. The second quarter saw the Indian side grow in confidence and control. They dominated possession and recorded multiple circle entries, repeatedly testing Argentina’s defensive structure. Dilraj Singh came close with a sharp effort on goal, while the midfield trio worked tirelessly to maintain pressure. However, Argentina’s compact defence and disciplined positioning ensured they carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
The third quarter opened with India on the front foot once again. Penalty corners came in quick succession, but converting them remained a challenge. Argentina, meanwhile, threatened on the counter and nearly doubled their lead before goalkeeper Princedeep Singh produced a stunning double save to keep India alive. Just when it appeared India’s missed chances might prove costly, Argentina struck again. Santiago Fernandez (44’) finished a well-worked move to make it 2–0, leaving the hosts staring at defeat with just one quarter remaining.
What followed was an extraordinary display of belief, execution and composure. With nothing to lose, India threw numbers forward and upped the tempo. Their persistence paid off in the 49th minute when a perfectly executed penalty corner routine saw Anmol Ekka deliver an inch-perfect ball for Ankit Pal (49’) to deflect home, igniting hope in the stands.
Barely three minutes later, the stadium erupted again. India earned another penalty corner, and once more Anmol Ekka played the role of creator. This time, Manmeet Singh (52’) was the beneficiary, guiding the ball into the net to level the scores at 2–2. Momentum had firmly shifted, and Argentina struggled to regain control as India continued to attack relentlessly.
The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute when India were awarded a penalty stroke. Under immense pressure, Shardanand Tiwari (57’) stepped up and showed remarkable calm, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give India the lead for the first time in the match. With Argentina pushing desperately for an equaliser, they withdrew their goalkeeper in search of goals.
India, however, remained composed in defence and ruthless in attack. Another penalty corner arrived in the 58th minute, and fittingly, Anmol Ekka (58’) capped off a sensational performance by converting it himself, turning provider to scorer and sealing a famous 4–2 victory.
The final whistle confirmed a landmark moment in Indian junior hockey. From 0–2 down to a four-goal blitz in eleven minutes, the comeback showcased not just tactical clarity, but also the mental strength of a generation ready to step onto the biggest stages.
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In recognition of the achievement, Hockey India announced cash rewards of INR 5 lakh for each player and INR 2.5 lakh for each member of the support staff, underlining the importance of rewarding excellence and encouraging continued growth in the junior system. The gesture also acknowledged the collective effort behind the scenes coaches, medical staff and support personnel who played a crucial role throughout the tournament.
As the Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu drew to a close, India’s bronze-medal finish stood as a powerful statement about the depth, resilience and future of Indian hockey. With performances like these, the next generation has announced itself fearless, composed, and ready to carry the nation forward.
All matches of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 were live streamed on JioHotstar.
