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The International Hockey Federation has announced the draw for the 2025 Women's Junior World Cup in Chile, featuring an expanded 24-team format. India finds itself in a challenging Pool C alongside former champions Germany and Ireland. The tournament represents a significant milestone, being the largest junior women's hockey event in history. With the Netherlands as defending champions and the event promising high-level competition, young hockey talents from around the world will converge in Santiago to showcase their skills.

Key Points: India Draws Germany Ireland in 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup

  • - Historic 24-team tournament marks largest Junior Women's Hockey World Cup
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India in with Germany, Ireland as FIH reveals draw for Women's Junior World Cup 2025

India faces tough Pool C challenge with Germany and Ireland in historic 24-team Women's Junior Hockey World Cup in Chile

"It's with great pleasure that FIH is going back to Chile - Tayyab Ikram, FIH President"

Santiago (Chile), June 12

India have been clubbed with former champions and strong contenders Germany, Ireland, and minnows Namibia in Pool C as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) revealed the groupings for the Hockey Women's Junior World Cup 2025, which will be played in Chile later this year.

With the event set to feature 24 teams for the first time in the competition's history, the teams were divided into six Pools of four teams each on Thursday.

Thus, Pool Chile A will have defending champions the Netherlands, Japan, Chile, and Malaysia, while Pool B will include Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, and Wales. England, South Africa, China, and Austria will comprise Pool D; Pool E will have Australia, Spain, Canada, and Scotland, while Pool F will include the United States, Korea, New Zealand, and Uruguay.

The most prestigious tournament for young girls will be held from December 1 to 13, 2025, in Santiago, Chile. The Netherlands are the current Junior Women's World Champions, having defeated Argentina in the final of the 2023 edition.

Speaking at the draw ceremony, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: "It's with great pleasure that FIH is going back to Chile for one of its most important events. It will be a great occasion to welcome all the young stars from around the world, who will come to enjoy the sporting moments, perform at their best, and also experience the fantastic hospitality of Chile.

"I am full of gratitude for the government and all the stakeholders and sponsors who are helping Chile hockey organise this mega event in Santiago. I am very happy that Santiago is not only becoming a global hub of hockey but also promoting and developing our beautiful sport at all levels," he was quoted as saying by FIH in a release on Thursday.

This will be the 11th edition of the prestigious tournament, which was first held in 1989 in Canada. The Netherlands are the most successful team in the Junior Women's World Cup, with five titles. Argentina and South Korea have won the title twice, while Germany bagged it in 1989.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya M.
Tough group for our girls! Germany is always strong and Ireland has improved so much. But I believe in our team - they've shown great promise in recent tournaments. Let's hope they prepare well for this challenge 🇮🇳🏑
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Amit K.
Good to see hockey expanding to 24 teams! More opportunities for smaller nations like Namibia. Our girls should focus on beating Ireland first - that will be crucial for quarterfinal chances. Germany will be the real test though.
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Sneha R.
Why is Chile hosting again? Time zones will be terrible for Indian viewers 😩 Hope Star Sports shows all matches live. Our junior women's team needs more exposure - this tournament could create new stars for senior team!
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Rahul D.
Netherlands as favorites as usual. But remember how our senior women surprised everyone at Olympics? Maybe our juniors can do the same! Need better penalty corner conversion though - that's where we often lose to European teams.
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Neha P.
So proud to see India regularly qualifying for these top tournaments! 10 years back we wouldn't even be competitive. Hope the girls get good training facilities and exposure tours before the event. Germany match will be lit 🔥
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Vikram S.
Respectful suggestion - our hockey federation should arrange more practice matches against European style teams. We often struggle against their physical play. Otherwise great draw, Namibia match should give confidence boost!

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