AI Generated Summary
- Hockey India has announced a 23-member squad for the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team that will tour Australia later this month in preparation for the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Chile.
- The tour, scheduled from September 26 to October 2 at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra, will serve as a vital stepping stone for the young side.
- The team will play five matches in total—three against the Australia Junior Women’s Team and two against Canberra Chill, a club from the nation’s premier Hockey One League.
Hockey India has announced a 23-member squad for the Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team that will tour Australia later this month in preparation for the FIH Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Chile. The tour, scheduled from September 26 to October 2 at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra, will serve as a vital stepping stone for the young side.
The team will play five matches in total—three against the Australia Junior Women’s Team and two against Canberra Chill, a club from the nation’s premier Hockey One League. With the Junior World Cup set for December in Santiago, the matches are expected to provide invaluable international exposure.
Balanced Squad with Experienced Leadership
The squad brings together an even mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Leading the side will be captain Jyoti Singh, who has already featured for the senior national team in the FIH Pro League earlier this year.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz. The defensive lineup includes Manisha, Jyoti Singh (C), Lalthantluangi, Mamita Oram, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, and Nandni. In midfield, Priyanka Yadav, Sakshi Rana, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Rajni Kerketta, Binima Dhan, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, and Anisha Sahu will shoulder responsibilities. The forward line comprises Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Sonam, Kanika Siwach, and Sukhveer Kaur.
Coach Confident in Young Squad
Head coach Tushar Khandker praised the balance and preparation of the squad. “This is a talented group of young players who have been working very hard in training. Although they are young, they already have a fair amount of experience and chemistry. The Australia Tour will be an excellent opportunity to test themselves against high-quality opponents,” he said.
Building Momentum for Chile
The players have been in an intensive national training camp, sharpening their skills and teamwork before facing strong international competition. With matches against both national and club-level sides in Australia, the Indian juniors will look to gain confidence and rhythm ahead of the World Cup challenge in December.
Indian Junior Women’s Squad for Australia Tour 2025:
- 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
The squad will depart later this week, carrying hopes of fine-tuning its preparations on foreign soil before taking on the world stage in Santiago.
