India capped its FIH Hockey World Cup for Junior Men campaign with a historic achievement, securing the bronze medal with a 4-2 win over Argentina. This marks the first time India, a two-time Junior World Cup champion, has finished third in the tournament.

The victory was especially noteworthy as India rallied from a two-goal deficit to overpower the South American side. In a dramatic surge, the hosts scored all four goals within nine minutes of the final quarter, turning the match on its head.

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

India entered the bronze medal match after a 1-3 semifinal loss to defending champions Germany. Determined to finish on a high, the team delivered a spirited final-quarter performance that left Argentina stunned. The visitors had appeared in control with a 1-0 advantage at halftime and a second goal midway through the third quarter.

India started the match aggressively, looking to break through Argentina’s compact defensive setup. But against the run of play, Rodriguez converted a penalty stroke in the third minute. India pushed hard for a response and created multiple opportunities, including eight circle penetrations in the first half, but the finishing touch eluded them.

Momentum began to shift in the second quarter as India increased pressure on Argentina’s backline. Dilraj Singh forced a save, and the hosts continued to dominate possession, but the South Americans held firm to maintain their lead at the break.

India returned stronger in the third quarter, earning multiple penalty corners and sustaining pressure inside the Argentine circle. Despite India’s intensity, Argentina doubled its lead through Fernandez in the 44th minute. Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh kept India in contention with a crucial double save earlier in the period.

With time running out, India surged forward with renewed urgency. A penalty corner routine allowed Ekka to set up Pal for the team’s first goal in the 49th minute. Just two minutes later, an identical setup saw Manmeet Singh draw India level.

India then earned a penalty stroke, and Tiwari calmly converted in the 57th minute to give the hosts the lead. Chasing an equalizer, Argentina removed its goalkeeper for an extra outfield player and earned a penalty corner, but India’s defense held strong. Moments later, Ekka completed India’s comeback with a goal off a penalty corner in the 58th minute.

With four goals in eleven minutes, India sealed a remarkable turnaround to claim the bronze medal.

Following the win, Hockey India announced cash awards of INR 5 lakh for each player and INR 2.5 lakh for the support staff.

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