Lausanne (Switzerland): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Friday announced the pool allocations for the 2025 Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile, from December 1 to 13. India has been placed in Pool C alongside Germany, Ireland, and Namibia.
This year’s edition of the tournament will feature 24 teams for the first time, divided into six pools of four teams each. The last edition in 2023, also held in Santiago, had 16 teams.
India, which is yet to win this prestigious tournament, will aim to improve upon its past performances. The team previously secured a third-place finish in Mönchengladbach, Germany, and a fourth-place finish in Potchefstroom, South Africa.
The FIH’s official statement noted:
“The draw ceremony for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 took place today in Santiago, Chile. The six pools have been finalized, with the tournament set to make history by featuring 24 nations for the first time.”
Indian Squad to Play Four-Nation Tournament in Germany
In preparation for the World Cup, India has also announced its squad for the upcoming Four-Nation Junior Women’s Hockey Tournament to be held in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Under the captaincy of goalkeeper Nidhi, the team will look to build on recent international experience.
India had a commendable performance in the recent four-nation tournament in Argentina, winning four of six matches. The team defeated Uruguay twice, and registered one win each against Chile and Argentina.
Pool Breakdown for Junior Women’s World Cup 2025:
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Pool A: Netherlands, Japan, Chile, Malaysia
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Pool B: Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Wales
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Pool C: Germany, India, Ireland, Namibia
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Pool D: England, South Africa, China, Austria
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Pool E: Australia, Spain, Canada, Scotland
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Pool F: USA, Korea, New Zealand, Uruguay
India will aim to make a deep run in the expanded tournament and secure its first-ever podium finish in what promises to be a landmark edition of the Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup.
