Young Hockey stars face tough test

With the Junior World Cup around the corner, India’s junior women’s hockey team is heading to Australia for a five-match exposure tour. Captain Jyoti Singh says the trip will provide invaluable learning opportunities, helping the team adapt to overseas conditions and strengthen as a unit.

The tour, scheduled from September 26 to October 2, will see India play three matches against the Australia junior women’s team, followed by two games against local side Canberra Chill. All matches will be held at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra, offering the young squad experience in international playing conditions.

“This is a very exciting moment for all of us. Playing in Australia will be a great learning experience, and it will help us prepare better for the Junior World Cup,” Jyoti Singh said. “The team has trained hard, and we are eager to test ourselves against strong opponents. Our aim is to make the most of this tour, grow together as a unit, and return sharper and more confident for the big tournament in December.”

The team departed Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Monday evening and will travel to Canberra via Sydney. Coaches and management emphasize that the tour is not just about performance on the field, but also about building cohesion, gaining tactical insight, and learning to handle the challenges of international competition.

By competing against high-quality opponents, the players hope to refine their skills, strengthen team dynamics, and develop the mental resilience required on the global stage. The Australian tour marks a vital chapter in India’s preparation, giving the squad the opportunity to return home battle-ready and confident ahead of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Santiago, Chile.