Bangladesh U-21 hockey. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Dec 11, 2025 (BSS)-Bangladesh U-21 hockey team returned home today (Thursday) evening with head high after participating in the just concluded FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Earlier, spirited Bangladesh hockey team won the challenger trophy of FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup beating Austria by 5-4 goals in the place-deciding match (17th, 18th) held on Monday last.

A hat-trick from tournament top-scorer Amirul Islam and goals from Hozifa Hossain and Rakibul Hasan helped Bangladesh beat their opponent to 17th in the final rankings.

In the group phase, Bangladesh suffered a fighting 5-3 goals defeat to strong Australia in their opening group match , rode on Aminul Islam's magnificent hat-trick. They also came from behind to hold South Korea by 3-3 draw in their group second match.

The boys and red and green again put up a brave performance conceding 3-2 defeat to against reigning runners-up France in their third and ultimate group match.

They opened the 17-24th place decider phase with a commanding 13-0 win over Oman, their first-ever Junior World Cup victory, before an impressive 5-3 triumph over South Korea.