Santiago is all set to host the FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup for the fourth time in two decades. The 2025 edition will be the first time that 24 countries will participate in the U-21 tournament organized by the International Hockey Federation.
In December 2024, India defeated China in the finals of the Junior Asia Cup, thus securing their berth for the Junior Women’s World Cup. The 24 nations are divided into six pools of four teams each. India are drawn in Pool C alongside Germany, Ireland, and Namibia. India’s league matches are scheduled against each of these teams on December 1, 3, and 5. This will only be the second time that Ireland is featuring in the Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup, whereas Namibia makes its debut at the event.
Topping the group would be a challenge for the young Indian contingent owing to the presence of 1989 champions Germany, who also finished as runner-ups in the 2005 and 2022 editions of the event. Moreover, in the U-21 matches, Germany have defeated India in their last six meetings, with India last defeating Germany at the 2022 Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup.
The table toppers and the two best performing second-placed sides across all the pools will qualify for the quarterfinals. A strong performance against Ireland and Namibia can increase the prospects of India making it to the knockout stages.
India’s best performance in the women’s Junior Hockey World Cup came in 2013, when they finished as the bronze medalists after defeating England in a penalty shootout. However, this time around, captain Jyoti Singh is more than determined to change the color of the medal, especially after a ninth position finish in the previous edition.
“We have the confidence to beat any team in the world. We need to believe in our system, what we’ve practised in training and what we’re learning on the pitch.” – Jyoti Singh
Coach Tushar Khandkher is highly optimistic, emphasising that the girls have improved significantly since last year’s Asia Cup triumph.
“We have gone through a rigorous training phase and have worked hard on our defensive structure and finishing inside the opponent’s scoring area. The girls have shown immense improvement and maturity in these past few months.” – Tushar Khandker
The Support
Apart from Khandker’s efforts, Anandana – the Coca Cola India foundation has been an ardent supporter of India’s junior women’s hockey team since three years. Be it training support, holistic athlete development, or international exposure (as highlighted by the recent five-match tour to Australia), Anandana has been a major contributor in strengthening junior women’s hockey side from the grassroot level. Players have also gained the benefit of attending training camps in Amsterdam and Berlin to strengthen their technical skills.
These camps also featured modules that improved players’ performance based on their position in the field. Additionally, specialized training tools and overseas accomodation have also been covered through the foundation.
“The collaboration with Coca-Cola India under #SheTheDifference has enabled these critical opportunities for our junior women, strengthening their preparation for representing India on the world stage.” – Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India.
India’s Recent Form
In 2025, India’s junior women’s hockey side has had promising results. In June, they won four of the six matches they played in the Tournament of Four Nations featuring Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. Later, the European tour saw India defeat Belgium thrice. This was followed by a 1-2 defeat to Australia.
However, in the final match of the tour, India defeated five-time Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup champions Netherlands in a penalty shootout. The tail-end of the season saw India winless in another four Nation tournament featuring Australia, Germany, and Spain. India’s latest tour to Australia in September-October saw the hosts win the series 3-2.
For India, Jyoti Singh, Sunelita Toppa, Sakshi Rana, and Hina Bano had featured in the previous edition of the Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup.
Team India for the World Cup
Here is the list of players who will feature for India at the 2025 Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup.
Goalkeepers: Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, Nandini
Midfielders: Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Binima Dhan
Forwards: Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano, Sukhveer Kaur
Alternate players: Priyanka Yadav, Parwati Topno
