Jyoti to lead India at junior Women’s Hockey World Cup

Captain Jyoti Singh will continue to lead the Indian challenge as Hockey India on Monday announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Women’s Junior World Cup, scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile, from November 25 to December 13. The side, coached by former India international Tushar Khandker, features 18 main players and two alternates, with the team aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage.

Khandker, who has been at the helm of the junior setup for over a year, expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation and discipline.

“I am very happy with the squad and the way they are performing at the moment. My main principle is discipline, and that has been the cornerstone while building this team,” Khandker said in a Hockey India release.

He added that the players have undergone a “rigorous training phase,” focusing on defensive solidity and sharper finishing inside the circle.

“The girls have shown immense improvement and maturity over the past few months,” he said.

India has been drawn in Pool C alongside Namibia, Germany, and Ireland. The team will open its campaign against Namibia on December 1, followed by clashes with Germany (December 3) and Ireland (December 5). The top teams from each pool will qualify for the knockout stages, which will take place from December 7 to 13.

The squad combines experience and youthful exuberance, with several players having featured in the recent international exposure tours.

Squad composition:

The goalkeeping responsibilities will rest on Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz, while the defensive line will be anchored by Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, and Nandini.

The midfield unit considered the team’s engine features Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, captain Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, and Binima Dhan, who are expected to provide both stability and creativity.

In attack, India boasts a promising set of forwards Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano, and Sukhveer Kaur capable of breaking down strong defenses with pace and precision.

Priyanka Yadav and Parwati Topno have been named as alternate players for the tournament.

“We are all ready and very excited to travel to Chile. The girls are motivated and eager to deliver their best performance at the World Cup,” Khandker said.

India will look to build on its recent progress at the junior level and target a deep run in the competition, where they finished in the top four in 2022.

India’s junior women’s hockey team has never won the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup so far.