PR Sreejesh, the legendary Indian hockey goalkeeper and coach, has lauded the Indian team's performance at the FIH Junior World Cup 2025, where they secured a bronze medal after a nine-year podium drought. India defeated Argentina 4-2 in the bronze medal match held in Chennai, marking a significant achievement for the young squad.

Sreejesh, who is the coach of the Indian junior hockey team, acknowledged the significance of this achievement. Speaking after the match, Sreejesh emphasized the importance of a podium finish in major tournaments, particularly for the development of young players. He believes that this bronze medal will motivate the players and provide them with valuable experience as they aim to break into the senior side, with many setting their sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"This is the best thing to have happened to this team," Sreejesh said. "A podium finish at the Junior World Cup is a massive confidence booster for these young players. It not only validates their hard work but also gives them a taste of success at the international level." He added that the experience gained in this tournament would be invaluable as they progress in their careers.

India's journey to the bronze medal wasn't without its challenges. After a strong showing in the pool stages, where they finished second in Pool C behind Germany, the team suffered a setback in the semi-finals, losing 1-5 to Germany. Sreejesh admitted that the team made "silly mistakes" and failed to execute their plans in the crucial match.

"We committed errors that cost us dearly," Sreejesh said after the semi-final defeat. "The boys were heartbroken, but we had to regroup and focus on the bronze medal match. I told them that we had an opportunity to leave the tournament with our heads held high, and they responded brilliantly."

In the bronze medal match against Argentina, India displayed resilience and determination. Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Sharda Nand Tiwari, and Anmol Ekka scored for India, securing a 4-2 victory. The team's defense, which had struggled in the semi-final, put up a much-improved performance, while the midfield showed greater cohesion and creativity.

Sreejesh praised the team's performance against Argentina, highlighting their ability to bounce back from the disappointment of the semi-final loss. He also acknowledged the contributions of each player and emphasized the importance of collective effort.

"It was a complete team performance," Sreejesh said. "The boys showed great character and determination to win the bronze medal. They supported each other throughout the tournament, and that's what made the difference."

With the FIH Junior World Cup 2025 now concluded, Sreejesh believes that this podium finish marks a new beginning for Indian hockey. He is confident that these young players have the potential to achieve great things in the future and contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.

The Indian team will face Uruguay in the FIH Junior World Cup 2025 in Santiago, Chile.