Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup: India finishes in 10th place, loses to Spain
The Indian junior women’s hockey team lost 1-2 to Spain in its ninth/10th place playoff match in the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional, Santiago.
Kanika Siwach (41’) was the goalscorer for India while Natalia Vilanova (16’) and Esther Canales (36’) netted a goal each for Spain.
After a first cagey quarter, Spain launched a quick counterattack early in the second quarter. Sara Carmona Ramos dribbled skillfully around the circle and played a pass inside, deflected by Vilanova (16’) into the net to claim the lead.
India had a couple of bright chances in the following minutes, but Spain hardly made any mistakes and didn’t give any penalty corners to maintain its advantage.
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In the 36th minute, India had a brief moment of celebration as Sonam did well to intercept a pass and score with a powerful strike. However, Spain took a video referral, which was successful as the referee spotted a back stick and had to cancel the goal.
Unfortunately for India, in the same minute, Spain won and converted a penalty corner thanks to a flick from Canales (36’) as it increased its advantage to two goals.
In the 41st minute, India won two successive penalty corners as Kanika (41’) beat the Spanish goalkeeper with her strike and delivered a goal for India to reduce the deficit.
Thereafter, Spain fell back and ensured it defended its slim lead till the clock ran out to secure ninth place, while India finished 10th in the overall standings.
Published on Dec 12, 2025