India gave a performance to remember, winning the bronze medal at the Junior Hockey World Cup and thus achieving their first podium finish since the title in 2016. The young Indian team, playing in front of an enthusiastic Chennai crowd at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, seemed out of tune for most of the first three quarters.
The team was down 0–2 and having trouble with missed chances, they looked upset and uncertain. However, the situation took a turn in the last quarter when India demonstrated exceptional toughness and discipline along with the self-belief to turn the tide and finish off with a splendid 4–2 win against Argentina.
How India overpowered Argentina in a thrilling final push
India’s comeback started in the 49th minute when Ankit Pal redirected Anmol Ekka’s drag-flick into the net, thus reviving the whole team. Their confidence started to build up, and penalty corners, which at times are a problem for India, became their greatest strength. Manmeet Singh equalised from another clever variation, before Sharda Nand Tiwari calmly converted a penalty stroke to give India the lead. Argentina’s daring move of removing their goalie did not pay off thus, Anmol scored again. Crucial stops by Princedeep Singh solidified India during the whole comeback.
Germany edge Spain in dramatic shootout to claim eighth junior world cup title
Germany, after an intense shootout battle with Spain, took the eighth Junior World Cup title. The game ended with a score of 1-1 in regular time, Germany’s Justus Warweg netting the first one and Spain’s Nicolas Mustaros making it a draw. Goalkeeper Jasper Ditzer was the hero in the tiebreaker, blocking the last shot of Spain as Andres Medina lost his composure under pressure. The hard-earned 3-2 victory of Germany and the award of ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ to Ditzer were certainly the result of his superb saves in the match and the shootout.
