Incredible comeback: India defeats Argentina 4-2, claims first-ever third-place finish

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India delivered an impressive performance in the third-place playoff of the Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 held in Chennai on Wednesday, thrilling the nation with a remarkable comeback. Despite trailing by two goals, the Indian team fought back strongly to defeat Argentina 4-2.

With this win, India ended its nine-year medal drought in the Junior Hockey World Cup. The last time India won a medal was in 2016, when they clinched the title in Lucknow. This is also the first time in the history of the tournament that India has finished in third place.

India dominated the fourth quarter, scoring four goals within 11 minutes. Ankit Pal scored in the 48th minute from a penalty giving the team confidence to turn the game around. Manmeet Singh equalized in the 51st minute by converting a penalty corner. In the 56th minute, Shraddha Nand Tiwari gave India the lead through another penalty. Just a minute later in the 57th minute, Anmol Ekka added another goal to seal the victory.

For Argentina, Nicolas Rodriguez scored in the 2nd minute and Santiago Fernandez added another goal in the 43rd minute. India’s win not only ended the long wait for a medal but also broke their streak of finishing fourth in previous editions of the tournament.