New Delhi: Midfielder Jyoti Singh has been named captain of the Indian team for the FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup 2025, scheduled from 1st to 13th December in Santiago, Chile.
India’s squad comprises 20 players, including 18 main players and 2 reserves, placed in Pool C alongside strong teams Germany, Ireland, and Namibia. India will open its campaign on 1st December against Namibia, followed by matches against Germany on 3rd December and Ireland on 5th December. The top teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, running from 7th to 13th December.
The team will be coached by former Olympian Tushar Khandkar, who emphasized discipline and structured gameplay in preparation for the tournament. He stated, “I am very pleased with the team’s current form. Our training has focused on disciplined defense and creating scoring opportunities. The girls have shown maturity and improvement over the past few months and are fully committed to delivering their best at the Junior World Cup.”
India’s attacking hopes lie with Kanika Sivach—daughter of former captain Pritam Sivach—Hina Bano, and Sonam, who have displayed both skill and goal-scoring abilities. Captain Jyoti Singh, along with Sunilita Topo, Ishika, Sakshi Rana, and Binita Dham, will also contribute to goal creation and scoring.
Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team for 2025 World Cup:
- Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Angel Harsha Rani Minz
- Defenders: Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Pooja Sahu, Nandini
- Midfielders: Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunilita Topo, Jyoti Singh (Captain), Khaidem Shilima Chanu, Binita Dham
- Forwards: Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Sivach, Hina Bano, Sukhveer Kaur
- Reserves: Priyanka Yadav, Parvati Topno
With a combination of experience, talent, and disciplined coaching, the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team is aiming to make a strong mark at the 2025 World Cup in Chile.
