Defender Jyoti Singh has been appointed captain of the 23-strong Indian junior women’s hockey team for their five-match tour of Australia in September. The tour between September 26 and October 2 will be held at the National Hockey Centre in Canberra. The side will play three matches against Australia junior women’s team and two matches against Canberra Chill, a leading club in Australia’s Hockey One League.
The tour is an integral preparation process for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025, which will be hosted in Santiago, Chile, in December. Jyoti Singh, having already played for India’s senior women team in the FIH Hockey Pro League this year, adds experience and leadership to the junior team.
India Women’s Hockey Team: Squad Composition and Key Players
The Indian junior women’s team has a well-balanced combination of defenders, midfielders, and strikers. The goalkeeping responsibility will be on Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz. Manisha, Jyoti, Lalthantluangi, Mamita Oram, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, and Nandni are part of the defense line-up.
Priyanka Yadav, Sakshi Rana, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Rajni Kerketta, Binima Dhan, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, and Anisha Sahu will be responsible for controlling the game and creating attacks in midfield. Lalrinpuii, Nisha Minj, Purnima Yadav, Sonam, Kanika Siwach, and Sukhveer Kaur form the forward line and are likely to be the primary goal threats.
Coach’s Take: Preparing for the World Stage
Indian junior women’s team coach Tushar Khandker stressed the talent and flexibility within the team. “This is a talented bunch of youngsters who have been training very hard. We have attempted to find the right balance in all departments, with players who can fit any scenario,” Khandker stated.
He also added, “Though they are young, they are very mature for their age and have been playing together really well. The tour of Australia will be a wonderful chance for this team to exhibit their skills and gain some valuable overseas experience.”
Importance of the Australia Tour and Fixtures
The forthcoming series in Australia is important for India’s buildup before the Junior World Cup. Confronting top-notch international teams under tough conditions will push the side’s tactical discipline, endurance, and skill execution to the limit. It also presents a perfect opportunity for the coaches to gauge the players’ preparedness for world-class competition and make corresponding adjustments.
- Three Matches vs Australia Junior Women: Sept 26–30, Canberra
- Two Games vs Canberra Chill (Hockey One League team): Oct 1–2, Canberra
