After a commendable outing in Argentina, the Indian Junior Women Hockey Team is set to embark on the next leg of its international preparation with a five-match tour of Europe from June 8 to 17.
The tour, which features matches against Belgium, Australia, and the Netherlands, is seen as a pivotal step in the team’s build-up to the FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in Santiago, Chile, this December.
🇮🇳 Fixtures: U21 Europe Tour 2025
- 8 June – vs Belgium 🇧🇪
- 10 June – vs Belgium 🇧🇪
- 12 June – vs Belgium 🇧🇪
- 14 June – vs Australia 🇦🇺
- 17 June – vs Netherlands 🇳🇱
The tour will begin with three back-to-back matches against Belgium at the Hockey Center of Excellence, Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp, followed by a clash against Australia at Beerschot Tennis Hockey Padel Club in Kontich, and concluding with a marquee encounter against the Netherlands at the Hockey Club Kampong in Utrecht.
Building Momentum from Argentina
The European tour comes on the heels of a productive trip to Argentina, where India took part in the 4 Nations Torneo in Rosario. The team impressed with spirited performances against formidable opponents. Highlights of the Argentina tour included:
- A 2-1 win and a 2-2 (2-3 SO) loss against Chile
- A 1-1 (2-0 SO) win and a 2-4 loss against hosts Argentina
- Two victories over Uruguay – a 3-2 win and a 2-2 (3-1 SO) shootout triumph
While the Indian team finished second overall, more important than the result was the exposure and learning the players gained from handling high-pressure moments, adapting to different tactics, and responding to physically demanding matches.
A Stepping Stone to World Cup Glory
This European leg holds strategic importance as the coaching staff aims to refine team strategies, build chemistry, and give younger players exposure to high-intensity international matches. Head Coach Tushar Khandker, a former India international himself, emphasized the importance of continuity in preparation.
A Talented Squad in Transition
India’s junior women’s setup has emerged as a strong pipeline for the senior national team, with several players from recent batches graduating to the senior level. This current group, a mix of promising under-21 athletes, is being groomed to replicate and exceed the success of earlier generations.
The exposure to European playing conditions — different surfaces, cooler climates, and tactically disciplined opponents — will prove invaluable. Matches against Belgium and the Netherlands, both known for their structured and technical approach, will help Indian players improve positioning, ball control, and game tempo. Meanwhile, facing Australia will test India’s ability to cope with aggressive, fast-paced hockey.
Looking Ahead
With the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup just six months away, this European tour couldn’t be more timely. It gives the coaching staff a chance to experiment with lineups, solidify roles, and identify areas of improvement. For the players, it is a chance to earn their spot in the final squad for December and build belief through performance.
As the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team begins this new challenge, there’s optimism around their steady growth and hunger to compete at the highest level. These next five matches will be about more than just results—they will shape India’s medal hopes for Santiago 2025.
Best of luck to our young women warriors in blue. Europe awaits!
