India: ‘The comeback against Argentina shows our faith and mental strength,’ says Rohit after captaining India to the bronze medal at the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025

~ Rohit also underlines the impact of Hero Hockey India League through high-intensity matches and global exposure ~

New Delhi, December 16, 2025: Indian junior men’s hockey team captain and defender Rohit reflected on the team’s character and resilience following India’s recent victory at the FIH Hockey Junior Hockey World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 following a sensational 4-2 comeback win over Argentina in the third place play-off match.

After finishing fourth in the previous two editions of the Junior Hockey World Cup, India eventually returned to the podium in dramatic fashion, pulling off one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament.

India trailed 0-2 at the end of the third quarter, but a stunning attacking display in the final 15 minutes saw the young Colts score four unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to seal the bronze medal and cap off a remarkable campaign.

Speaking about the sensational win, Rohit said, “This bronze medal means a lot to every player in the squad. After finishing fourth in the last two Junior World Cups, we were determined to be on the podium again this time. The way the team fought back from being 0-2 down shows our belief, mental strength and confidence in each other.”

Reflecting on the comeback against Argentina, the 21-year-old defender added: “At the end of the third quarter we reminded ourselves to stay calm and play our natural game. The coaching staff kept telling us that one goal would change the momentum, and once that happened, everyone stepped up. Scoring four goals in the last quarter against a strong team like Argentina is something we will always be proud of.”

India had a strong run at the tournament, winning all their pool matches before edging past Belgium via shootout in a thrilling quarter-final to progress to the semi-finals. Their only defeat came against Germany in the semi-finals, before the team bounced back strongly to finish the tournament on a high note.

Highlighting the team’s overall performance, Rohit said, “We played excellent hockey throughout the tournament. Winning all our pool matches and beating Belgium in the shootout showed our composure under pressure. The semi-final loss was tough but the boys showed great maturity to regroup and end the tournament with a medal.”

Rohit, who is also a specialist drag flicker, will next be seen in action in the Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-2026 as he was retained by the SG Pipers ahead of this year’s auctions.

Speaking about the importance of the Hero HIL and its association with the SG Pipers, Rohit said, “The Hero Hockey India League is a fantastic platform for young Indian players. You get to play high-intensity matches alongside and against some of the best players in the world, which really helps in understanding the demands of hockey at the highest level.”

He added: “For me, the Hero HIL has been crucial in improving my drag flicking, decision-making and game awareness. Training with experienced international defenders and penalty corner specialists forces you to raise your standards every day. Being retained by SG Pipers motivates me to perform consistently and contribute more to the team.”

Highlighting the league’s role in bridging the gap between junior and senior international hockey, Rohit said, “The Hero HIL prepares young players for senior international hockey by exposing them to pressure situations, packed stadiums and different playing styles. It helps us grow not only as players, but also mentally, and I am happy to take the lessons from the Junior World Cup into the upcoming Hero Hockey India League season.”