New Delhi

Jyoti Singh will continue to lead the Indian team as Hockey India named a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Women's Junior World Cup, scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile from November 25 to December 13.

The 20-member squad, coached by former India international Tushar Khandker, features 18 players and two alternates.

"I am very happy with the squad and the way they are playing at this moment. My main principle is discipline and have kept that in focus while building this squad," Chief Coach Khandker was quoted as saying in a press release.

"We have gone through a rigorous training phase and have worked hard on our defensive structure and finishing inside the opponent's scoring area. The girls have shown immense improvement and maturity in these past few months."

India have been placed in Pool C and will open their campaign against Namibia on December 1, followed by matches against Germany on December 3 and Ireland on December 5.

The top teams from each pool will progress to the knockout stages, which will be played from December 7 to 13.

The goalkeeping duties will be shared between Nidhi and Engil Harsha Rani Minz, while the defensive duties have been assigned to Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, and Nandini.

In midfield, India will rely on Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, Captain Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, and Binima Dhan.

The forward line includes Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano, and Sukhveer Kaur, promising a sharp attacking front.

Priyanka Yadav and Parwati Topno have been named as alternate players for the tournament.

"We are all ready and very excited to travel to Chile. The girls are fully motivated to perform their best at the World Cup," Khandker said.

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Indian junior women's squad:

Goalkeepers -- Nidhi, Engil Harsha Rani Minz

Defenders -- Manisha, Lalthanlualangi, Sakshi Shukla, Puja Sahoo, Nandini.

Midfielders -- Sakshi Rana, Ishika, Sunelita Toppo, Jyoti Singh, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Binima Dhan

Forwards -- Sonam, Purnima Yadav, Kanika Siwach, Hina Bano,

Sukhveer Kaur

Alternate Players -- Priyanka Yadav, Parwati Topno.