The Indian Junior women’s hockey team wrapped up a demanding five-match tour of Australia between September 26 and October 2, 2025, at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra.
The results two wins and three losses only tell part of the story. For this young side led by captain Jyoti Singh and coached by former Olympian Tushar Khandker, the week-long series was about exposure, experience, and evolution ahead of the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile, this December.
The 23-player squad faced three games against the Australia U21 team among the strongest junior outfits globally and two matches against Canberra Chill, a club known for its high-intensity pressing and structured attacks. It was a tour designed to push the Indian youngsters out of their comfort zones, both tactically and mentally.
The campaign began with a narrow 2–3 defeat to Australia U21, where India fought back late through goals from Lalthantluangi (47’) and Sonam (54’), signaling intent and fight. But the next day was a reality check a 0–5 loss, as Australian forward Makayla Jones completed a hat-trick, exposing vulnerabilities in India’s defense and transition play.
The turnaround came on September 29, when India regrouped and edged a 1–0 win over Australia, courtesy of Kanika Siwach’s decisive strike in the 32nd minute. That result restored belief and set the tone for the remaining fixtures. Against Canberra Chill, India continued their upward curve with a 3–1 win as Ishika scored twice (13’, 39’) and Sonam added another (27’). The final game on October 2 was a thrilling, end-to-end battle. India went toe-to-toe but eventually lost 4–5 despite goals from Sukhveer Kaur (6’), Kanika (42’), Sunelita Toppo (54’), and Ishika (57’). The result may not have gone their way, but the attacking flair and fighting spirit were unmistakable.
The Positives: Building Belief
This tour was less about winning and more about learning. After being outplayed in the opening encounters, India bounced back impressively a sign of mental toughness and adaptability. The forwards grew more cohesive, the penalty corners sharper, and the defensive communication more organized.
Coach Tushar Khandker had said before the series, “Exposure against strong sides builds both belief and awareness.” His words played out perfectly in Canberra. By the end of the tour, the players looked more composed under pressure, more patient in build-up play, and confident in their ability to recover from setbacks.
Team chemistry also stood out every tackle, interception, and goal was celebrated together. This unity on and off the turf is often the invisible strength of successful teams.
The Challenges: Areas to Improve
Despite the progress, the tour revealed areas demanding urgent attention. The defensive structure remains a work in progress. Conceding ten goals across two defeats (0–5, 4–5) highlighted the team’s struggle against fast transitions and physical duels. India also tended to start slow, often conceding early goals that forced them to chase the game. Developing a sharper mindset right from the first whistle will be critical, especially in high-stakes matches at the World Cup.
Consistency across all four quarters is another concern. The team often sparkled in bursts but couldn’t sustain tempo for the full 60 minutes. For a tournament like the Junior World Cup where every minute counts maintaining high intensity and composure throughout will be non-negotiable.
Amidst the challenges, several players announced themselves as names to watch:
- Kanika Siwach: The decisive scorer against Australia and a constant attacking threat, Kanika displayed maturity beyond her years.
- Ishika: With three goals in the tour, she impressed with her finishing instincts and calmness in penalty corners.
- Sonam: Scored twice and provided vital link-up play between midfield and attack.
- Lalthantluangi: Her opening-game goal reflected confidence and precision.
- Sukhveer Kaur and Sunelita Toppo: Both found the net in crucial moments and contributed significantly to team momentum.
- Captain Jyoti Singh: Calm under pressure, she anchored the defense and led by example throughout the tour.
Beyond the Turf: Lessons That Matter
Beyond match results, this tour was a comprehensive learning exercise. Competing in front of vocal Australian crowds, adjusting to artificial turf pace, and facing contrasting playing styles helped the players understand global hockey’s demands. It also tested their fitness, discipline, and decision-making under fatigue qualities that define successful teams on the world stage. Facing a mix of a national junior side and a seasoned club unit ensured the Indians experienced both international precision and domestic-level grit.
With just two months to go before the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup in Chile, the roadmap ahead is clear. The upcoming national camp will be crucial for coach Khandker and his staff to refine tactics and strengthen weak links. Key areas of focus should include:
- Defensive coordination drills to counter high-pressing opponents.
- High-intensity training to improve starts and maintain energy across all quarters.
- Finishing practice to convert half-chances into goals.
- Mental conditioning to stay composed in knockout pressure situations.
The staff will also likely analyze video footage from the Australia tour to identify structural lapses and tactical tweaks before heading to Santiago.
Lessons Today, Glory Tomorrow
In many ways, the Australia tour was both a reality check and a confidence booster. The Indian U21 women’s team learned how to absorb pressure, adapt to elite-level play, and strike back with determination. They may not have returned with a perfect record, but they returned as a more complete, battle-hardened unit.
With emerging talents like Kanika, Ishika, and Sonam leading from the front and a focused leadership group behind them, this team has every ingredient to make a deep run at the World Cup. As December approaches, one thing is evident India’s junior women are no longer just participants; they are contenders in the making. The grit they showed in Canberra might well be the foundation for glory in Santiago.
