Hockey India announces squad for FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup
Dr. Shrikrishna Sharma
New Delhi. Hockey India has announced the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team for the FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, to be held in Santiago, Chile, from November 1 to December 13, 2025. Jyoti Singh will continue to lead the team as captain. Tushar Khandker will be the head coach. The squad consists of 18 players and two substitutes. The 20-member Indian team will strive to make a strong presence felt on the world stage. India has been placed in Pool C alongside Germany, Ireland, and Namibia. The Indian team will begin its 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 advance to the knockout stages, which will be played from December 7 to 13. Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Nidhi and Angel Harsha Rani Minj. While the defensive duties have been assigned to Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Pooja Sahu, and Nandini. In midfield, India will rely on Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunita Toppo, captain Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, and Binima Dhan. The forward line consists of Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Heena Bano, and Sukhveer Kaur. Priyanka Yadav and Parvati Topno have been selected as standby players for the tournament. Speaking on the team selection, Tushar Khandekar, head coach of the Indian junior women’s hockey team, said, “I am very happy with the team and the way they are playing at the moment. Discipline is my main principle in hockey, and I kept that in mind while building this team. We have undergone rigorous training and worked hard on our defensive structure and finishing in the opponent’s scoring zone. The girls have shown significant improvement and maturity over the past few months.” Speaking about the team’s mindset before departure, the coach said, “We are all ready and excited to go to Chile. The girls are fully motivated to give their best in the World Cup.”
The Indian junior women’s team is as follows: Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Angel Harsha Rani Minj. Defenders: Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Pooja Sahu, and Nandini. Midfielders: Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shiliema Chan, and Binima Dhan. Forwards: Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano, and Sukhveer Kaur. Priyanka Yadav and Parvati Topno are the substitutes. (Sports Editor)
