India Stages Thrilling Comeback to Claim Bronze at Junior Hockey World Cup

India capped its FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 campaign with a remarkable bronze-medal victory, rallying from two goals down to defeat Argentina 4-2 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. What began as a tense, frustrating contest for the hosts transformed into a breathtaking final-quarter surge that electrified the home crowd and showcased the team’s resilience.

India’s troubles started early. Just two minutes into the match, Anmol Ekka clipped Lautaro Martinez inside the ‘D’ with a shoulder challenge, conceding a penalty stroke. Nicolas Rodriguez calmly sent goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh the wrong way, giving Argentina an immediate 1-0 lead. 

The hosts’ midfield continued to struggle through the first half, unable to keep possession or build any sustained pressure. A further blow came when captain Rohit had to leave the field after being struck by a powerful shot. Apart from a late first-half attempt by Dilraj Singh, India rarely threatened, entering the break still trailing.

The hosts showed greater purpose after halftime, earning four consecutive penalty corners, but Argentina’s defence held firm. The visitors then snatched momentum back late in the third quarter. A clever disguised pass from Federico Hanselmann wrong-footed two Indian defenders, allowing Santiago Fernandez to smash a reverse shot past Prince Deep, extending the lead to 2-0 and putting India in a perilous position.

But the final quarter brought a stunning reversal. India ignited its comeback in the 48th minute when Ankit Pal deftly deflected Anmol’s drag-flick beyond Argentine goalkeeper Joaquin S. Ruiz. Moments later, Arshdeep won India its sixth PC, and again Anmol’s powerful flick from the second battery set up a superb deflection — this time from Manmeet Singh — into the top corner, tying the match 2-2 and sending the stadium into a frenzy.

With just over three minutes remaining, Arshdeep was fouled inside the ‘D’, earning India a crucial penalty stroke. Sharda Nand Tiwari stepped up under immense pressure and converted with precision, giving India its first lead of the match. The victory was sealed moments later when Anmol — instrumental throughout the final quarter — hammered home another drag-flick to secure a 4-2 triumph and the bronze medal.

Earlier classification matches saw Belgium defeat the Netherlands in a 4-3 shootout after a 3-3 draw to finish fifth, while France claimed seventh place with a convincing 4-1 win over New Zealand.

India’s dramatic fightback offered a fitting and emotional end to its World Cup journey, turning adversity into a podium finish on home soil.