The Indian junior men’s hockey team concluded their campaign at the Four-Nation Tournament in Berlin on a positive note, securing third place with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Australia. After a rollercoaster journey marked by highs and lows, the young Indian side displayed resilience and fighting spirit to finish on the podium.

The playoff for third place, held on June 25, saw India trailing 0-1 after Australia’s Toby Mallon struck in the 40th minute. However, India responded with character. Rohit equalised in the 45th minute through a well-executed penalty corner, before Ajeet Yadav netted the winning goal in the 52nd minute to seal a spirited comeback.

The win came after a challenging group stage where India faced a heavy 1-7 defeat against hosts Germany in their opening match. Despite the scoreline, Sourabh Anand Khushwaha managed to pull one goal back for India in the 50th minute. The team bounced back quickly, registering a 3-1 victory over Australia in their second match with goals from Shardanand Tiwari, Khushwaha, and Amir Ali. But their final group game ended in disappointment as Spain outclassed India 5-1, highlighting gaps in the defensive unit.

Still, India showed commendable mental strength to overcome that loss and regroup for the bronze medal match. The team’s ability to respond under pressure, especially after falling behind, stood out as a key takeaway from the tournament.

While the campaign exposed areas that need improvement, such as consistency and defensive discipline, it also underscored the potential within this young squad. With talents like Rohit, Ajeet Yadav, and Khushwaha stepping up at crucial moments, the future of Indian junior hockey looks promising.

This third-place finish not only salvages pride but also sets a strong foundation for the players as they eye selection for future international tournaments, including the Junior Asia Cup and the Junior

World Cup.

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