Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Dec 10: Germany’s rising hockey star Ben Hasbach is enjoying a dream run in 2024, and tonight in Chennai, he stands on the brink of yet another major milestone. The 20-year-old forward, who dazzled at the FIH Indoor World Cup in Croatia earlier this year, now leads Germany in the Junior World Cup final against Spain at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.
Hasbach was the top scorer in Croatia and crowned Young Player of the Tournament as Germany lifted the title. In Chennai, he has struck five goals so far, emerging as the co-captain and chief goal threat for the defending champions. He is joined by fellow skipper Paul Glander, with whom he also celebrated the Junior World Cup triumph in Malaysia two years ago.
German joint head coach Mirko Stenzel praised the different leadership styles the two bring to the team. He described Hasbach as emotional and explosive, a player capable of changing any match with his stick skills, speed and attacking instinct. Glander, on the other hand, offers composure and structure under pressure, making them a perfectly balanced duo.
Hasbach once again proved his worth in the semifinal against India, delivering Germany’s fifth goal in the final quarter. A brilliant aerial pass led to a one-on-one situation, and the powerful striker raced past the Indian defence before diving to slot the ball home, just as he tormented India with two goals in the 2023 semifinal in Kuala Lumpur.
Born in Bremen, Hasbach moved to Hamburg at the age of 14 to pursue hockey seriously, leaving family behind to chase his dreams. In 2023, he joined Mannheimer HC and has already trained alongside Olympic champion drag-flick legend Gonzalo Peillat, accelerating his growth.
With his physicality and electrifying pace, Hasbach is widely tipped for a full-time senior team breakthrough. He has already earned two senior international caps and dreams of competing at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, though he insists on staying grounded, wary of unpredictable setbacks.
Germany enters tonight’s final as favourites, steadily gaining form throughout the tournament. Spain, however, are expected to test them with their quick, technical style of play as they chase a maiden Junior World Cup crown. For the Germans, a victory would seal a record eighth title in the prestigious event.
Meanwhile, India will fight for bronze against Argentina. After suffering a tough 1-5 defeat to Germany, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh — with his experience of overcoming heartbreak — is urging the Indian boys to bounce back strongly and avoid returning home empty-handed.
The big night awaits in Chennai — Germany versus Spain for gold, India versus Argentina for pride — with Ben Hasbach standing at the heart of the action, determined to script yet another chapter in his incredible journey.