Challenger Trophy Sparks Intense Classification Rounds at Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup

Chennai/Madurai - The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 resumed on Thursday with the classification matches for positions 9–16 and 17–24 in Chennai and Madurai. After a day’s break, teams returned with renewed energy, fighting for the highest possible finish. The top team in the 17–24 bracket will also receive the Challenger Trophy, introduced by FIH President Tayyab Ikram. The day featured eight exciting matches, including the tournament’s first shootout, a historic victory for Bangladesh, and a hard-fought win for Australia.

---

### **Namibia Hold Austria to Shootout Thriller**

The first match in the 17–24 classification produced the tournament’s first shootout, as Austria beat Namibia 2-0 after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. All goals came in the second half, with Namibia’s John-Paul Britz scoring twice off penalty corners. Austria equalised twice through Benedikt Meisel and Julian Kaiser.

In the shootout, Namibia failed to convert all four attempts, while Meisel and Andor Losonci scored to give Austria victory. Austrian goalkeeper Lorenz Breitenecker emerged as the star, saying, “I specialise in shootouts… really happy about it.”

---

### **Bangladesh Crush Oman 13-0**

Bangladesh produced a historic performance with a dominant 13-0 win over Oman in Madurai. Amirul Islam led the charge with five penalty-corner goals, while Rakibul Hasan netted a hat-trick. Mohammad Abdullah and Mohammad Saju scored two each, and Obidul Joy added one more.

Coach Siegfried Aikman praised the team’s progress, saying the expanded 24-team format offered invaluable exposure.

---

### **England Defeat Chile 3-1**

England opened their 9–16 classification campaign with a 3-1 win over Chile in Chennai. Early goals from Kaden Draysey and Max Anderson put England ahead before Javier Vargas pulled one back for Chile. Jonny Sturch-Hibbitt restored a two-goal cushion, and the second half ended goalless despite several missed chances.

---

### **Korea Beat Egypt 6-3**

Korea bounced back from a difficult pool stage with a 6-3 win over Egypt. Minhyeok Lee scored four goals—including three penalty corners and one stroke. Egypt struck first through Basel Abdelmonem, but Korea responded strongly and maintained control for most of the match.

---

### **South Africa Outplay Malaysia 3-1**

South Africa registered a determined 3-1 win over Malaysia, driven by Jaydon Brooker’s two penalty-corner goals. Aqil Mat narrowed the margin for Malaysia, but Ross Montgomery’s late strike sealed the win.

Player Ozair Pillai said the team treated this match as their “quarter-final” and hopes to claim the Challenger Trophy.

---

### **China Edge Canada 3-2**

China staged a late comeback to beat Canada 3-2. Canada led 2-0 early through Robin Thind, but Wang Yubo’s penalty-corner double brought China level. In the final minute, Ning Dongjun scored the winner after Canada seemed to be preparing for a shootout.

---

### **Ireland Beat Switzerland 5-2**

Ireland delivered a strong performance to beat Switzerland 5-2. After a 1-1 first half, Ireland dominated the third quarter with three penalty-corner goals from Gregory Williams (two) and Rex Dunlop. Louis Rowe added a late fifth to complete the win.

---

### **Australia Edge Japan 1-0**

Australia were pushed to the limit by a resilient Japan side but held on for a 1-0 win thanks to Ian Grobbelaar’s late penalty-corner strike in the 56th minute. Both teams struggled to convert opportunities, making the lone goal decisive.

-With inputs from IANS