India Wins First-Ever Bronze Medal in FIH Junior Hockey World Cup
The Indian junior men's hockey team delivered a remarkable performance on Wednesday, defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final to clinch the bronze medal at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup. India had won this tournament in 2016, but the team had failed to secure a podium finish in the last two editions. After nine years, the Indian team won a medal at the Junior Hockey World Cup.
Argentina Dominates Early Quarters
For India, Ankit Pal (49th minute), Manmeet Singh (52nd minute), and Anmol Ekka (58th minute) scored from penalty corners, while Sharad Nand Tiwari scored in the 57th minute. In the first two quarters, Argentina seemed to have the upper hand, and India struggled to score. For Argentina, Nicolas Rodriguez scored in the third quarter, and Santiago Fernandez added another goal in the 44th minute.
India's Two-Time Championship Record
India has won the tournament twice before, in Hobart (2001) and Lucknow (2016). However, India had not won a medal in the last nine years. The team had finished fourth by losing the bronze medal match in the previous two editions. Despite being behind in the final, India made an incredible comeback in the last 11 minutes, scoring four goals to defeat 2021 champions Argentina and win the bronze in the playoff match.
India's Stunning Comeback in the Final Quarter
After trailing by two goals for three quarters, India made a spectacular comeback in the final quarter, scoring four goals in quick succession to electrify the packed Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. In the 49th minute, Ankit Pal converted a penalty corner to open India's account. In the 52nd minute, India got another penalty corner, and Anmol Ekka’s shot was deflected by Manmeet Singh’s stick into the goal, leveling the score 2-2. It seemed like the match would go to a shootout, but just three minutes before the final whistle, India was awarded a crucial penalty stroke. Sharad Nand Tiwari converted the stroke to give India a 3-2 lead. Argentina was awarded a penalty corner in the next minute, but India’s goalkeeper Princdeep Singh made a brilliant save. In the 58th minute, India received another penalty corner, and Anmol Ekka scored again, securing a stunning 4-2 victory for India.