Has Hockey India Unveiled the Indian Junior Women’s Squad for the Australia Tour?
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Synopsis
Hockey India has announced a robust 23-member squad for the upcoming Australia tour, a key event for the Junior Women’s Hockey team. With matches lined up against formidable opponents, this tour will serve as both a challenge and an opportunity for the players to shine on an international platform.
Key Takeaways
- India's Junior Women's Hockey squad consists of 23 players.
- The tour in Australia is essential for the team's preparation.
- The matches will feature competitive play against top Australian teams.
- Players are looking to gain international experience.
- Coaching emphasizes adaptability and teamwork.
New Delhi, Sep 20 (NationPress) Hockey India has officially revealed the 23-member squad for the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team, set to embark on their tour to Australia. This much-anticipated event will take place at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra from September 26 to October 2.
During this tour, the Indian Junior Women’s Team is scheduled to engage in five matches. The initial three games will be against the Australia Junior Women’s Team, followed by two fixtures against Canberra Chill, a prominent club from Australia’s Hockey One League. This series is a vital preparatory step for the Indian squad as they gear up for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025, which will be hosted in Santiago, Chile, in December.
The selected squad comprises a well-rounded group of defenders, midfielders, and forwards from diverse regions across the country, all under the leadership of Captain Jyoti Singh, who has already made significant contributions to the senior team during the FIH Hockey Pro League earlier this year.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz. In the defensive line-up, the team will depend on players like Manisha, Jyoti Singh (C), Lalthantluangi, Mamita Oram, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, and Nandni. The midfield brigade includes skilled athletes such as Priyanka Yadav, Sakshi Rana, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Rajni Kerketta, Binima Dhan, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, and Anisha Sahu. The forward line boasts talents like Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Sonam, Kanika Siwach, and Sukhveer Kaur.
The players have been diligently refining their skills and are now eager to face international competition following their national training camp. The opportunity to compete against top-tier teams in Australia is expected to significantly enhance their performance and confidence in global conditions.
Reflecting on the team selection, Indian Junior Women’s Team Coach Tushar Khandker stated, “This is a talented group of young players who have been working very hard in training. We have aimed to maintain the right balance across all departments, with players capable of adapting to any situation. Despite their youth, they possess considerable experience and have developed strong teamwork. This tour in Australia will be an excellent platform for this group to exhibit their skills and gain invaluable international experience.”
The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey squad for Australia Tour 2025 includes:
Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz
Defenders: Manisha, Jyoti Singh (c), Lalthantluangi, Mamita Oram, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, Nandni
Midfielders: Priyanka Yadav, Sakshi Rana, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Rajni Kerketta, Binima Dhan, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, Anisha Sahu
Forwards: Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Sonam, Kanika Siwach, Sukhveer Kaur
Point of View
I believe this tour will not only test the mettle of our young players but also pave the way for the future of Indian hockey. With strategic matchups against strong Australian teams, the experience gained will be invaluable. Hockey remains a sport of national pride, and supporting our junior players is essential for building a robust future.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Australia tour for the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team?
The Australia tour serves as preparation for the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, providing the team with crucial international exposure and experience.
Who is the captain of the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team?
The team is captained by Jyoti Singh, who has already made significant contributions to the senior team.
How many matches will the team play in Australia?
The Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team will play a total of five matches during their Australia tour.
What is the significance of this tour for the players?
The tour is an opportunity for the players to test their skills against high-quality international opponents, which will help enhance their performance and confidence.
Who is the coach of the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey team?
The team is coached by Tushar Khandker, who emphasizes the hard work and talent of the young players.
