The countdown has begun for the FIH Junior Women Hockey World Cup 2025 the biggest festival of next-generation women’s hockey stars which will take place in Santiago, Chile, from December 1 to 13, 2025.
For India’s rising stars, it will be another chance to test themselves against some of the world’s best young talent and take a big step forward in building a stronger pipeline for the senior national team.
India’s Pool and Fixtures
Drawn in Pool C, India finds itself in familiar company once again. For the third consecutive edition, the Indian junior women’s team will share a group with Germany, one of Europe’s powerhouses in women’s hockey. The Pool C line-up also includes Ireland and Namibia both competitive sides that could pose tricky challenges if India isn’t sharp.
India’s group-stage fixtures are:
- December 1: vs Namibia 🇳🇦
- December 3: vs Germany 🇩🇪
- December 5: vs Ireland 🇮🇪
Pool C will open with a heavyweight European clash between Germany and Ireland on December 1, setting the tone for what promises to be a tight race to the knockouts.
A Bigger, Bolder Junior World Cup
The 2025 edition will be historic for the tournament, as it expands to feature 24 teams for the very first time. Over 13 days, the world’s brightest young talents will battle for the coveted junior crown in Santiago, with host nation Chile aiming to leave its mark while the defending champions, the Netherlands, look to extend their incredible record.
The Netherlands will start as favourites, having lifted their fifth Junior Women’s World Cup title in 2023 their sixth consecutive podium finish stretching back to 2005. But they’ll have stiff competition from Argentina, Belgium, Germany and England, all traditional junior powerhouses.
India’s Mixed Record in Recent Editions
India’s junior women have shown sparks of brilliance at past World Cups but are still chasing consistency on the biggest stage. In the 2023 edition, India secured ninth place with a thrilling shootout win over the USA a bittersweet result that reflected both the promise and the gaps that still exist when competing with the European and South American giants.
The 2023 campaign had its moments gritty performances, defensive resilience and flashes of attacking flair. But India struggled to maintain momentum against higher-ranked opponents, an area the current crop will look to address in Chile this December.
Familiar Rivalry: India vs Germany
The Germany match has almost become a World Cup tradition for India’s juniors. For the third straight edition, both nations find themselves battling in the same group, a quirk that adds an extra edge to Pool C.
Germany are ranked third in the junior women’s world rankings and come in with a well-drilled system and a strong record in age-group hockey. Beating them will require India’s best mix of discipline in defence, swift counterattacks and clinical finishing all of which have often proved elusive under pressure.
A New Generation, A New Opportunity
For India, the junior World Cup is about more than results it is a vital testing ground for the senior team’s future. The tournament will see emerging stars many already pushing for senior squad places get invaluable exposure to top-level international hockey.
After the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on a semi-final berth in the 2021 edition, and then a mid-table finish in 2023, India will hope this next group under the Junior Women’s Hockey program can break new ground and push deep into the knockouts.
The likes of Mumtaz Khan, Lalremsiami and Salima Tete have all graduated from strong Junior World Cup performances into senior stalwarts India will be watching closely to see who among the 2025 batch can follow that pathway.
The Bigger Picture
This Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup also comes at a crucial time for Indian women’s hockey overall. The senior team is in a period of rebuilding and transition after a disappointing Paris 2024 campaign, and new coach appointments are focused on reviving the squad’s energy with young talent.
A strong showing in Santiago will go a long way in ensuring that the conveyor belt of quality players remains healthy and competitive. The importance of these tournaments for learning, bonding and high-pressure match experience cannot be overstated.
Tournament Snapshot
Here’s how the pools shape up for the record 24-team event:
- Pool A: Netherlands, Japan, Chile, Malaysia
- Pool B: Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Wales
- Pool C: Germany, India, Ireland, Namibia
- Pool D: England, South Africa, China, Austria
- Pool E: Australia, Spain, Canada, Scotland
- Pool F: United States, Korea, New Zealand, Uruguay
The expansion to six pools and 24 teams is a sign of the sport’s growth and the International Hockey Federation’s push to give more countries exposure at the highest youth level.
Opening Day Drama
The tournament will kick off with the clash between Germany and Ireland both direct rivals for India in Pool C. On the same day, hosts Chile face a massive test against reigning champions the Netherlands.
Fans can catch all the action live, with the FIH promising extensive global coverage through digital platforms and broadcasters
The Road Ahead
For India, it all starts on December 1 against Namibia a must-win to build early momentum. The real test follows against Germany on December 3, before the group phase closes with Ireland on December 5 a match that could decide quarterfinal qualification.
With new faces ready to shine, India’s next generation has a clear mission: play fearless hockey, push for the knockouts and show the world that Indian women’s hockey’s future is in safe hands.
The stage is set in Santiago. The dream is alive. Now, it’s time for the next stars to rise.
Let the battles begin. 🏑🇮🇳
