The Indian junior women’s hockey team finished 10th at the FIH Hockey Junior Women’s World Cup 2025 after going down 1-2 against Spain in the 9th/10th place playoff at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Cesped, Estadio Nacional. Spain took the lead through Natalia Vilanova in the 16th minute, while Esther Canales doubled the advantage in the 36th minute.
India stayed in the contest with a spirited performance, led by goalkeeper Nidhi, who made several crucial saves, including denying Spain from penalty corners. A potential goal by Sonam was later disallowed after a successful video referral by Spain due to a back stick.
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Kanika Siwach pulled one back for India in the 41st minute, sparking a strong fightback. India pressed hard in the final quarter and came close to equalising, but Spain defended well to hold on to their narrow lead till the end.