Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team Clinches Silver at FIH Nations Cup

India, 6 January 2026 — The Indian junior women's hockey team secured the silver medal at the FIH Hockey Women's Junior Nations Cup in Kakamigahara, Japan, after a hard-fought final against the Netherlands on Monday. The match concluded with a score of 3-1 in favor of the Dutch team, who showcased a superior performance in the closing stages.
The Indian team, which had displayed impressive skills throughout the tournament, managed to reach the finals after defeating England in the semi-finals. The squad was led by promising captain Preeti Dubey, who has been a standout performer for India.
This performance marks a significant achievement for Indian hockey as it highlights the potential of the country's young talent on the international stage. The junior team's success follows the senior team's recent victories, indicating a growing strength in India's hockey program.
Coach Baljeet Singh Saini expressed pride in the team's performance, noting that the experience gained from competing against top teams will be invaluable. "The girls have shown great resilience and skill throughout the tournament," Saini said.
Despite the loss, the success in reaching the finals and securing a silver medal is seen as a positive milestone for the team, offering hope for future international competitions. The focus will now shift to preparing for upcoming challenges, including the Junior World Cup.