Dr Mandaviya Hails Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team for Historic Junior World Cup Bronze
India defeats Argentina 4-2 in thrilling third-place playoff at FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025; players and staff rewarded for their landmark achievement.
Chennai, Dec 11: Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, praised the Indian men’s junior hockey team for winning a historic bronze medal for the first time at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025. India defeated Argentina 4-2 in the third-place playoff at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Wednesday.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Mandaviya wrote: “Proud of our junior boys for scripting history with their first-ever bronze medal, defeating Argentina in a thrilling contest. The #ChakDeIndia spirit continues to shine! Congratulations, Team India!” The post was accompanied by a video showing the jubilant team, coached by two-time Olympic bronze medallist PR Sreejesh.
Dramatic comeback seals historic win
India staged a sensational comeback, scoring four goals in eleven minutes to overturn a 0-2 deficit. The goals came from:
Ankit Pal (49’)
Manmeet Singh (52’)
Shardanand Tiwari (57’)
Anmol Ekka (58’)
Argentina had initially taken the lead through Nicolas Rodriguez (3’) and Santiago Fernandez (44’).
This marks India’s first bronze medal in the Junior World Cup, adding to its previous haul of two golds (2001, 2016) and one silver (1997). The team had missed out on bronze in 2005 after losing to Spain in a penalty shootout.
Recognition and rewards
Following the win, Hockey India announced cash rewards of INR 5 lakh for each player and INR 2.5 lakh for the support staff.
India began the game assertively but fell behind early, conceding two goals before halftime. The hosts’ four-goal blitz in the second half turned the match on its head, cementing a memorable and historic victory for the nation.
