Defending champions India will not only aim to retain their Junior Women's Asia Cup title but also try to qualify directly for Junior World Cup 2025 when they kick-start their campaign with a face-off against Bangladesh in Muscat, Oman on Sunday (December 8, 2024). Watch the hockey match live online. (More Hockey News)

The Indian junior women's hockey team would love to take a leaf out of their male counterparts, who claimed the corresponding men's title days ago after beating Pakistan 5-3 in an enthralling final to clinch a hat-trick of titles. The match will be preceded by another India vs Bangladesh match, albeit in the cricket arena - the Under-19 Asia Cup final.

The continental tournament, slated from December 7 to 15, also serves as a qualifying event for next year's FIH Junior World Cup, which will be held in Chile.

Under coach Tushar Khandker, India will be led by Jyoti Singh while Sakshi Rana will be her deputy. The team also includes players like Deepika, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sunelita Toppo and Mumtaz Khan who have played for the senior side since last year's title win.

Last year, India beat South Korea 2-1 in the final to win the title for the first time. India are grouped in Pool A alongside China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bangladesh.

Pool B will feature South Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. Each team will play every opponent in their pool once and the top two teams from each pool will not just confirm a semifinal spot but also a place in next year's World Cup.

The third and fourth placed teams of each pool will then compete for the last spot for the junior World Cup.

"We 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," said captain Jyoti.

"The 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," added vice-captain Sakshi.

If India finish as one of the top two teams in Pool A, they will advance to the semi-final, which will be played on December 14.

The title clash of the tournament will be played on December 15.

India Squad For Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024

Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Aditi Maheshwari

Defenders: Manisha, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahoo, Mamata Oram

Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sunelita Toppo, Ishika, Rajni Kerketta, Sakshi Rana, Khaidem Shileima Chanu

Forwards: Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Kanika Siwach, Mumtaz Khan, Lalrinpuii

Alternate Players: Binima Dhan, Himanshi Sharad Gawande

India Vs Bangladesh, Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 Pool A: Live Streaming Details

When and where will the India vs Bangladesh, Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 Pool A match be played?

The India vs Bangladesh, Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 Pool A match will be played in Muscat, Oman on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 20:30pm IST.

Where will the India vs Bangladesh, Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 Pool A match be telecast and live streamed?

The India vs Bangladesh, Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 Pool A match will be live streamed on the Hockey India/Hockey India League app in India. It will not be telecast on any TV channel in India.