Hockey India (HI) on Monday announced the Indian junior women’s team for the upcoming FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile, from November 25 to December 13.
The 20-member squad, comprising 18 players and two alternates, will look to put their intense preparations to the test and make a strong statement on the world stage. India have been placed in Pool C alongside Germany, Ireland and Namibia.
India will begin their campaign against Namibia on December 1, followed by matches against Germany on December 3 and Ireland on December 5. The top teams from each pool will progress to the knockout stages, which will be held from December 7 to 13.
The team will once again be led by Jyoti Singh as captain, with Tushar Khandker serving as chief coach. Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz, while the defense will be marshalled by Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo and Nandini.
In midfield, India will rely on Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, captain Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu and Binima Dhan. The forward line includes Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano and Sukhveer Kaur, promising a sharp attacking unit. Priyanka Yadav and Parwati Topno have been named as alternate players for the tournament.
Speaking on the squad announcement, chief coach Tushar Khandker said, “I am very happy with the squad and the way they are playing at the moment. My core principle is discipline in hockey, and we have kept that at the centre while building this team. We have undergone a rigorous training phase and worked hard on our defensive structure and finishing in the opponent’s scoring area. The girls have shown immense improvement and maturity in the past few months.”
Reflecting on the team’s mindset before departure, he said they are confident and excited for the challenge, adding that the players are fully motivated to give their all at the World Cup.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, Nandini
Midfielders: Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Binima Dhan
Forwards: Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano, Sukhveer Kaur
Alternate Players: Priyanka Yadav, Parwati Topno
–IANS