New Delhi, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Indian junior women's hockey squad, under the leadership of Jyoti Singh, has departed for Santiago, Chile, to compete in the esteemed FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, taking place from December 1 to 13. The contingent, which comprises 20 players including two alternates, flew out from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday night.

India has been drawn in Pool C, where they will face formidable teams like Germany, Ireland, and Namibia. Their tournament journey kicks off against Namibia on December 1, with subsequent matches scheduled against Germany on December 3 and Ireland on December 5. The leading teams from each pool will advance to the knockout rounds, slated for December 7 to 13.

Additional competing teams include Netherlands, Japan, Chile, and Malaysia in Pool A, while Pool B features Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, and Wales. Pool D consists of England, South Africa, China, and Austria. Pool E will include Australia, Spain, Canada, and Scotland, and Pool F will see teams from the United States of America, Korea, New Zealand, and Uruguay.

With Jyoti Singh continuing as captain and Tushar Khandker as head coach, the goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared by Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz, while the defensive line is managed by Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, and Nandini.

In midfield, India will depend on Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, captain Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, and Binima Dhan. The forward line, promising a dynamic attack, consists of Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano, and Sukhveer Kaur, with Priyanka Yadav and Parwati Topno serving as alternate players.

Regarding the team's outlook before their departure, the coach shared, “We are all set and incredibly eager to head to Chile. The girls are fully focused and motivated to showcase their talents at the World Cup.”