Chennai, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Indian junior men's hockey team made history by clinching their inaugural bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday. The home team executed a remarkable 4-2 comeback against Argentina, scoring four goals within just eleven minutes to claim third place in the tournament.

Ankit Pal (49’), Manmeet Singh (52’), Shardanand Tiwari (57’), and Anmol Ekka (58’) found the net for India after Nicolas Rodriguez (3’) and Santiago Fernandez (44’) had initially put the visitors ahead.

This achievement marks the first bronze medal for India, adding to their previous accolades of two gold medals (2001, 2016) and a silver (1997). The team faced disappointment in 2005 when they narrowly missed out on the bronze, losing to Spain in a penalty shootout.

India started the match aggressively, seeking to penetrate the Argentine defense. However, it was Argentina who struck first, with Nicolas Rodriguez converting a penalty stroke in the third minute. The hosts responded with determination, pushing for an immediate equalizer. Although India had opportunities towards the end of the first quarter, they could not capitalize.

In the second quarter, India maintained their momentum, creating several notable chances and increasing pressure on the Argentine defense, which remained resolute. Dilraj Singh had a shot on target, while India dominated possession with eight circle penetrations in the first half but still trailed 1-0 at halftime.

India commenced the third quarter with renewed vigor, winning several penalty corners. They remained relentless in their attack, continuing to challenge the Argentine defense. The visitors attempted to counter-attack and had their moments, but Princedeep Singh made a fantastic double save to keep India in contention. Argentina extended their lead with Santiago Fernandez scoring in the 44th minute.

Undeterred, India pressed forward, earning a penalty corner with ten minutes remaining. Anmol Ekka executed a precise drag-flick, allowing Ankit Pal to deflect it past the Argentine keeper (49’), reducing the deficit. With momentum on their side, India struck again two minutes later, as Manmeet Singh capitalized on another penalty corner setup by Anmol Ekka (52’), leveling the score.

India then secured a penalty stroke, which Shardanand Tiwari confidently converted (57’), giving India the lead with less than three minutes remaining. In a desperate bid for an equalizer, Argentina removed their goalkeeper but failed to convert a penalty corner, as the Indian defense held firm.

Finally, Anmol Ekka turned from provider to scorer, converting another penalty corner in the 58th minute, sealing a sensational comeback for India with four goals in eleven minutes, securing the bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025.

Following this historic victory, Hockey India announced rewards of INR 5 lakh for each player and INR 2.5 lakh for the support staff.