India Clinches Bronze at Junior Hockey World Cup 2025
The Indian Junior Hockey Team scripted a historic comeback to clinch the bronze medal at the Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, defeating defending champions Argentina 4-2 in a thrilling match held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, Chennai. This marks India’s first podium finish in nine years, following their last medal at Lucknow in 2016.
India, the two-time world champion (2001 and 2016), showcased extraordinary fighting spirit during the final quarter. Trailing by two goals for three quarters, India turned the tables dramatically by scoring four goals in the last 11 minutes, electrifying the packed home crowd.
Thrilling Final Quarter Comeback
After struggling for much of the match, India broke Argentina’s defense in the 49th minute when Ankit Pal successfully converted a penalty corner to make it 1-2. Just three minutes later, another penalty corner gave Manmeet Singh a chance, whose deflection off Anmol Ekka’s shot found the back of the net, leveling the score at 2-2.
The Indian side didn’t stop there. In the 57th minute, India earned a penalty stroke, and Shardanand Tiwari kept his nerves calm to score, giving India the lead for the first time. A minute later, Anmol Ekka sealed the victory with another stunning penalty corner, extending the lead to 4-2.
Goalkeeper Princedeep Singh also played a pivotal role, making crucial saves in the dying moments to deny Argentina any comeback opportunity.
Early Struggles and Argentine Pressure
The match began with high intensity as Argentina took an early lead in the 5th minute through Nicolas Rodriguez, who converted a penalty stroke resulting from a defensive mistake by Anmol Ekka. The early goal put India under pressure as Argentina dominated possession in the first quarter. Despite several attacking attempts, India failed to earn a single penalty corner in the first half.
In the 44th minute, Santiago Fernandez doubled Argentina’s lead with a precise strike, leaving the Indian defense stunned. However, the crowd’s energy and India’s resilience turned the tide dramatically in the final quarter.
Celebrations and Online Buzz
The entire stadium erupted in celebration as the Indian players embraced each other in joy. The team, along with their support staff, posed for victory selfies, marking a memorable night for Indian hockey.
Soon after the match, “IND vs ARG” began trending on Google and social media as fans hailed the team’s fighting spirit and determination.
With this bronze medal, India not only ended a nine-year wait for a podium finish but also reaffirmed its dominance in world junior hockey, inspiring millions of young players across the nation.
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