FIH Junior Men’s World Cup 2025: India Stun Argentina 4–2 to Claim Bronze in Chennai
India delivered a sensational late comeback to defeat Argentina 4–2 and secure the bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai. The third-place playoff, played on December 10 at 17:30, turned into one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes as India overturned a 0–2 deficit with four goals in the final 11 minutes.
Slow Start, High Pressure
Argentina began aggressively, earning an early penalty stroke in the 3rd minute. Nicolas Rodriguez (Shirt No. 5) made no mistake, converting to give Argentina a 1–0 lead. India struggled to find rhythm in the first half and conceded again in the 44th minute when Santiago Fernandez (No. 10) scored a field goal, pushing Argentina ahead 2–0.
At this stage, Argentina looked fully in control, managing the pace and forcing India into defensive errors. The first and second periods ended 0–1 and 0–2, with India yet to open their account.
India’s Remarkable Turnaround
The match exploded into life in the third period. India showed renewed hunger and tactical discipline as they forced penalty corners and applied constant pressure on the Argentine defence.
India’s revival began in the 49th minute when Ankit Pal (No. 15) converted a penalty corner, reducing the margin to 1–2. Just three minutes later, Manmeet Singh (No. 8) struck from another penalty corner, leveling the score at 2–2. The stadium erupted as momentum shifted dramatically.
In the 57th minute, India completed their comeback when Sharda Nand Tiwari (No. 1), known for his composure under pressure, calmly slotted in a penalty stroke to hand India the lead for the first time in the match.
Argentina, stunned by India’s surge, pushed numbers forward but left gaps behind. India capitalized again in the 58th minute as Anmol Ekka (No. 35) scored from a penalty corner to seal the win at 4–2. Four goals in nine minutes marked one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the tournament’s history.
Discipline, Cards, and Key Figures
The match displayed intensity from both teams, reflected in the green cards issued, including one to India’s Gurjot Singh (No. 7) in the 39th minute. India’s defensive unit, led by captain Rohit (No. 23), stabilized after halftime and gave the attackers the platform for the comeback. Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh (No. 16) also held firm during critical phases.
Coaching Brilliance
Head coach Birendra Lakra made decisive second-half adjustments, rotating midfield combinations and pushing fullbacks higher to win penalty corners—ultimately turning the game. Argentina’s coach Juan Gilardi saw his side lose grip despite early dominance.
A Bronze That Feels Like Gold
With this victory, India not only secured the bronze medal but also reaffirmed their stronghold in junior world hockey. The Madurai–Chennai edition of the World Cup witnessed India showcasing resilience, tactical maturity, and an ability to perform under immense pressure.
The comeback from 0–2 to 4–2 will be remembered as one of India’s greatest junior-level performances on home soil.
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