Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team Departs For Chile For FIH Junior World Cup 2025

The Indian junior women's hockey team, captained by Jyoti Singh, has departed for Santiago, Chile, to compete in the prestigious FIH Women's Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, which will take place from December 1 to 13. The 20-member squad, which includes two alternate players, flew out from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday night.

India has been drawn in Pool C along with Germany, Ireland, and Namibia. Their campaign will open against Namibia on December 1, followed by a match against Germany on December 3 and a final pool game versus Ireland on December 5. The top teams from each pool will qualify for the knockout rounds, scheduled between December 7 and 13.

The tournament features a wide field of competitors: Pool A comprises the Netherlands, Japan, Chile, and Malaysia; Pool B includes Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, and Wales; Pool D consists of England, South Africa, China, and Austria; Pool E contains Australia, Spain, Canada, and Scotland; and Pool F features the United States of America, Korea, New Zealand, and Uruguay.

Jyoti Singh continues in her role as captain, with Tushar Khandker serving as chief coach. Goalkeeping duties will be handled by Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz. The defensive lineup includes Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, and Nandini.

The midfield will be anchored by Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, captain Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, and Binima Dhan. The forwards-Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano, and Sukhveer Kaur-will lead India's attack. Priyanka Yadav and Parwati Topno have been named as the tournament's alternate players.

Speaking ahead of departure, coach Tushar Khandker said, "We are all ready and very excited to travel to Chile. The girls are fully motivated to perform their best at the World Cup."

(IANS)