India scripted history by securing their first-ever bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 in Chennai. The host nation clinched third place in the tournament with a sensational 4-2 comeback victory against Argentina.
India clinch historic bronze at Junior Men's Hockey World Cup
Trailing for much of the game, India scored four rapid-fire goals within the final eleven minutes to secure the win. The goals for India were scored by Ankit Pal (49'), Manmeet Singh (52'), Shardanand Tiwari (57'), and Anmol Ekka (58'), overturning a lead established by Argentina's Nicolas Rodriguez (3') and Santiago Fernandez (44').
Despite starting the game aggressively and attempting to break down the Argentinian defense, it was the visitors who scored first against the run of play. Nicolas Rodriguez converted a penalty stroke in the 3rd minute to give Argentina the early lead. India responded strongly after conceding, pushing hard for an instant equaliser, but they failed to capitalize on a late opportunity towards the end of the first quarter.
Ankit, Manmeet, Shardanand, Anmol Ekka shine bright
The encouraging play continued for India into the second quarter, as they began to settle into the game and generate more significant chances, putting consistent pressure on the Argentinian defense. Although the defense remained compact, India dominated possession and managed eight circle penetrations in the first half, including a shot on target from Dilraj Singh, as they desperately searched for the equalizer. However, Argentina held their composure and maintained their slim 1-0 advantage heading into the halftime break.
India started the third quarter aggressively, immediately earning several Penalty Corners in the early exchanges. They maintained a relentless attack, consistently challenging the deep-lying Argentinian defense. While the visitors relied on counter-attacks and managed to create a few dangerous opportunities, Indian goalkeeper Princedeep Singh kept his team in the contest with a crucial double save. However, Argentina eventually managed to double their lead toward the end of the quarter when Santiago Fernandez (44') slotted his effort into the net.
The final quarter saw the hosts continue their urgent push for a breakthrough, which finally materialized about ten minutes before the end of the match. India earned a Penalty Corner, and Anmol Ekka's expertly executed dragflick was deflected past the Argentinian goalkeeper by Ankit Pal (49'), halving the deficit. With momentum now firmly behind them, India executed a similar Penalty Corner routine just two minutes later. Manmeet Singh (52') benefited from another setup by Anmol Ekka, finally bringing the score level. The sensational comeback was soon complete when India was awarded a penalty stroke. Shardanand Tiwari (57') calmly converted the shot, giving India their first lead with less than three minutes remaining. Desperate for an equalizer, Argentina removed their goalkeeper, and though they had a chance from a Penalty Corner, the Indian defense held firm. The hosts then sealed the result beyond all doubt when Anmol Ekka (58') transitioned from provider to scorer, converting another Penalty Corner.