India will open their campaign against Canada in the FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in the Chilean capital Santiago from November 29 to December 10.
The Indian team has been grouped in Pool C along with Belgium, Canada, and Germany. India will open their campaign against Canada on November 29 before taking on Germany and Belgium on December 1 and 2, respectively, as per the pools and schedule announced on Thursday night. To add to the excitement ahead of the marquee event, FIH also revealed the new junior women’s world rankings, as per which India are ranked sixth, while the Netherlands are ranked first. Meanwhile, Argentina, Germany, England, and the United States are ranked second, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.
Having won the women’s junior Asia Cup in Japan earlier this month, the India team will enter the World Cup high on confidence and will aim to clinch the elusive trophy for the first time in the history of the tournament.
India came close to winning the bronze medal in the last edition of the World Cup but couldn’t, as they lost to England 2(0)-2(3) in the 3/4th place match.
“We are aware that each Pool is filled with talented and formidable opponents, but we see this as an opportunity to showcase our skills, determination, and teamwork on the global stage. We are confident in our abilities and will give our all in every match,” India skipper Preeti said.
Women’s chief coach Janneke Schopman said, “The team is blooming with confidence after winning the Asia Cup. But the World Cup will be much more challenging.
