The Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai has witnessed many memorable nights, but few will linger quite like this as was India vs Argentina.
What began as a tense, nervy third-place playoff at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 turned into an unforgettable comeback, as India clawed their way from two goals down to defeat Argentina 4–2 and secure the bronze medal in front of a roaring home crowd.
It was not just a victory. It was a statement of resilience, belief, and nerve under pressure.
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India barely had time to settle before Argentina landed the opening punch. Just three minutes into the match, Nicolas Rodriguez produced a moment of individual brilliance stealing possession, surging into the circle, and forcing Anmol Ekka into a desperate challenge. The umpire initially signalled a penalty corner but upgraded it almost immediately to a penalty stroke.
There were no protests. Everyone sensed it was the correct call.
Rodriguez stepped up and buried the stroke clinically past Princedeep Singh. Three minutes gone. India trailed 0–1, and the atmosphere inside the stadium shifted sharply.
Tactical First Half, Limited Openings
The remainder of the first quarter was cagey. India tried to respond with intent, but Argentina’s compact defensive shape frustrated early attacking moves. A moment of chaos just before the quarter break briefly lifted hopes, but nothing materialised.
The second quarter belonged to India territorially. They pressed higher, moved the ball quicker, and forced Argentina deeper into their own half. Sunil Palakshappa Bennur even found the net with a fierce slap from the right, but celebrations were cut short there was no Indian touch inside the circle, and the goal was correctly disallowed.
Despite India’s dominance, one stat stood out at halftime: neither team had earned a penalty corner. Argentina took their narrow 1–0 lead into the break, but momentum clearly favoured the hosts.
Third Quarter Collapse and Survival
India came out flying after halftime, and what followed was perhaps the most painful passage of the night for the home fans. Within the opening minutes of the third quarter, India earned four consecutive penalty corners. None were converted.
Rohit’s drag flick was saved. Another hit a defender’s foot. A variation collapsed when Anmol Ekka lost balance. The final attempt flew over the crossbar. It felt like a turning point slipping away. And Argentina punished the waste.
Gradually increasing pressure exposed gaps in India’s defence. In the 44th minute, a sharp ball from the left tore India open, finding Santiago Fernández near the baseline. His finish was calm and decisive. Argentina led 2–0, and suddenly, the bronze medal looked to be slipping away.
India Fight Back: Arshdeep Ignites the Comeback
What followed was a response that defined the character of this Indian side.
In the 49th minute, Arshdeep Singh danced into the circle, forcing defenders into panic and drawing a penalty corner. Argentina were out of reviews. There was no escape. Instead of opting for a direct flick, Anmol Ekka showed immense composure. He slipped the ball to Ankit Pal, completely unmarked after Argentina’s rushers charged out. Pal made no mistake. India were back in the game at 1–2.
The belief surged again. Just two minutes later, it happened again.
Arshdeep stormed down the right, played advantage, and earned yet another penalty corner. The routine was identical Ekka calmly sliding it to a free Manmeet Singh in front of goal. Manmeet finished with composure. Chennai erupted. India had clawed their way back to 2–2. Control-C. Control-V. Chaos guaranteed.
The Moment of Ice: Shardanand Tiwari Steps Up
With under four minutes remaining, pressure peaked.
India broke forward once more. Dilraj Singh battled through defenders and nudged the ball to Arshdeep, who was chopped down inside the circle. No hesitation. Penalty stroke. Shardanand Tiwari walked forward with an entire stadium holding its breath. All the pressure in the world rested on his stick.
He didn’t blink.
A clean strike buried the ball into the net. The moment it hit the backboard, Tiwari sprinted away in celebration, chased by teammates, the crowd erupting as India took the lead for the first time all evening.
IND 3–2 ARG. Sealing the Deal
Argentina immediately pulled their goalkeeper in desperation. India defended bravely, blocking yet another penalty corner through Rohit’s first rush and Princedeep’s reflex saves.
Then came the knockout blow. India countered, earned a final penalty corner, and this time Anmol Ekka after creating two goals added his own. The finish made it 4–2, extinguishing all Argentine hopes. When the hooter finally sounded, exhaustion, relief, and joy poured out across the turf.
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This was not a flawless performance. India stumbled early, missed chances, and flirted with heartbreak. But when it mattered most when nerves threatened to take over they stood tall. Arshdeep’s relentless driving runs. Ekka’s intelligence at penalty corners. Manmeet and Ankit’s composure. Tiwari’s ice-cold stroke. Princedeep’s timely saves. Together, they turned a wounded semifinal exit into a bronze medal that felt far richer than third place.
In a tournament that tested India’s depth, mentality, and adaptability, the Junior World Cup ended not with disappointment but with belief.
