How many players of the bronze-medal winning junior world cup hockey team will make a big impression in future?

Indian hockey players made a massive comeback in the match against Argentina to win the bronze medal at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup that concluded in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Trailing 0-2, in the bronze medal match the home team bounced back to win 4-2. Germany beat Spain 3-2 in a shoot-out after both the teams were locked 1-all in the regulation time. 

However, there is a long road ahead for the promising hockey players.

The 2026 season will be highly competitive. Besides the 2026 World Cup, the Indian hockey squad has to peak at the right time to win the men’s hockey title at the Asian Games in Japan. A gold medal will give an automatic berth to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The big question is how many players of the bronze-medal winning junior world cup hockey team from Chennai will make a big impression for the senior team in future Several outstanding players at junior level, including goalkeeper Vikash Dahiya, weren’t able to cement their place in the senior group.

Unimpressive

Far away from Chennai, the national junior women’s team finished a disappointing 10th at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Santiago, Chile. India lost 1-2 to Spain.

Meanwhile Hyderabad will host the Women’s World Cup Qualifier from March 8 to 14, 2026 to earn a berth for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium/Netherlands.

Besides host India other participating nations are England, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria. The Indian team missed a direct qualification at the 2025 Asia Cup held in China.

ENDS