In a closely contested match, the Indian women’s hockey team faced Spain in the playoff for 9th and 10th place at the FIH Hockey Junior Women’s World Cup 2025 held at Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional in Santiago. The Indian side ended their tournament run with a 1-2 defeat, finishing 10th overall.
India’s Kanika Siwach scored in the 41st minute, but earlier goals from Spain’s Natalia Vilanova (16′) and Esther Canales (36′) secured the win for the Spaniards. The match began with intense action, showcasing opportunities on both sides. India’s goalkeeper, Nidhi, made remarkable back-to-back saves midway through the first quarter to keep the score level after Spain threatened to take the lead.
Spain earned the first penalty corner of the match in the 14th minute, but Nidhi’s skills denied them. Early in the second quarter, Spain struck first with a counterattack. Sara Carmona Ramos maneuvered through the circle and set up Vilanova, who deflected the ball into the net.
Despite having a few promising chances, India struggled to capitalize as Spain maintained their advantage without conceding penalty corners. In a moment of anticipation for India, Sonam found the net in the 36th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed after a successful video referral indicated a back stick violation.
Disappointment followed for India as Spain converted a penalty corner shortly after, increasing their lead to two goals. With renewed determination, India earned two penalty corners in the 41st minute, leading to Siwach scoring and narrowing the deficit, bringing a thrilling third quarter to a close.
In the final quarter, India intensified their efforts, pushing forward in numbers to create scoring opportunities. They came agonizingly close to equalizing when Ishika hit a powerful backhand shot, which was cleared off the line by a Spanish defender. Ultimately, Spain defended their slender lead until the final whistle, sealing their victory and leaving India with valuable lessons as they concluded the tournament.
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/sports-news/fih-junior-womens-wc-india-lose-to-spain-finish-10th
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Publish Date: 2025-12-13 12:01:00
