India will be led by coach Tushar Khandker, captain Jyoti Singh and vice captain Sakshi Rana. The team also comprises players like Deepika, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sunelita Toppo and Mumtaz Khan who have played for the senior team since last year\u2019s title win and will look to guide the rest of the players during the tournament. In 2023, India defeated South Korea 2-1 in the final to win the title for the first time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India are grouped in Pool A and will be up against China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Pool B will feature South Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Each team will play every opponent in their pool once and the top two teams from each pool will not just confirm a semi final spot, but also a place in the FIH Junior World Cup next year. The 3rd and 4th placed team in each pool will then compete for the last spot in the Junior World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are excited to get on the field and start the tournament strong. Defending the title is going to be challenging but I'm sure the team is going to give it their all and make our country proud. The tournament is also very important since qualification for the Junior World Cup is at stake so we are doubly determined to bring home the title again,\u201d said captain Jyoti Singh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe team has trained hard leading to the tournament and now it is time to perform. We have an experienced team with a lot of talent and passion. We are confident we can defend our title,\u201d added vice captain Sakshi Rana.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are excited to get on the field and start the tournament strong. Defending the title is going to be challenging but I'm sure the team is going to give it their all and make our country proud. The tournament is also very important since qualification for the Junior World Cup is at stake so we are doubly determined to bring home the title again,\u201d said captain Jyoti Singh.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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