On December 7th, the Indian Junior Men’s hockey squad suffered a 1‑5 defeat to the defending champions, Germany, in the semi‑final of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup held in Tamil Nadu 2025. Anmol Ekka scored the lone Indian goal at the 51st minute, while Germany’s tally came from Lukas Kossel (at the 14th and 30th minutes), Titus Wex (15th), Jonas von Gersum (40th) and Ben Hasbach (49th).
Germany began strongly, pressing aggressively from the start and forcing India to play mainly in its own half. Though the Indians kept up pressure and built from the back early on, they struggled to create clear chances on goal. Just three minutes in, a slick interception by Justus Warweg created a dangerous opportunity, but goalkeeper Princedeep Singh made an outstanding stop to keep the scoreline unchanged.
The first significant moment came in the 14th minute, when Germany won a penalty corner. Quirin Nahr’s shot was blocked by Ankit Pal’s body in front of the goal, earning a penalty stroke that Lukas Kossel converted, putting Germany ahead. A minute later, India conceded another goal after a deflected pass from Titus Wex landed in the circle and, after an unlucky deflection off Sunil Palakshappa Bennur’s foot, rolled into the net, closing out the first quarter.
In the second period, India improved markedly, dominating possession, controlling the midfield and making crucial entries into the circle, yet they still failed to test the German goalkeeper. Before halftime, Germany claimed another penalty corner and Lukas Kossel, once more, slotted the ball into the bottom‑left corner at the 30th minute, extending his own tally and widening the margin.
India’s first credible shot came at the 34th minute when Ajeet Yadav beat two German defenders with skillful moves and delivered a powerful strike, but Jasper Ditzer managed a decisive save. Two minutes later, another penalty corner materialised, but Paul Glander’s flick missed the target. On the flank, Arshdeep Singh tried to break past the German keeper at the 40th minute, but was denied.
Shortly thereafter, Jannik Enaux threaded a pass to Alec von Schwerin, who flicked it past the keeper, and Jonas von Gersum tapped it into an empty net, marking Germany’s fourth goal. In the next phase, a long aerial pass found Ben Hasbach (49th minute), who outmaneuvered Princedeep Singh and scored.
India’s first penalty corner of the second half was then converted when Captain Rohit delivered a smart pass to Anmol Ekka, catching the Germans off‑guard for a spectacular finish, their only goal of the match. With the German side pulling back into a defensive posture for the remainder, India could not force another breakthrough.
The Indian side will next square off against Argentina for the third‑and‑fourth place playoff on Wednesday.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
