The Indian junior women's hockey team departed for Muscat on Tuesday to defend its Asia Cup title which would also help the side qualify for next year's FIH Junior World Cup. (More Hockey News)

The Junior Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from December 7 to 15 and India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on Sunday.

The top three teams in the showpiece will make the cut for the World Cup scheduled in Santiago, Chile.

India will be up against China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Bangladesh in Pool A while Pool B will feature South Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.

India's campaign will be spearheaded by captain Jyoti Singh along with vice captain Sakshi Rana and the squad also features players who have had the experience of playing with the senior side.

These players are Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sunelita Toppo, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika and Beauty Dungdung.

The team is being coached by former India captain Tushar Khandker.

"We are very confident and upbeat about our campaign. We have a good, experienced team. We have worked hard over the past few months and the team is quite eager to do our best in Muscat, Oman," Jyoti said ahead of the team's departure.

Goalkeepers: Nidhi, Aditi Maheshwari

Defenders: Manisha, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Pooja Sahoo, Mamata Oram

Midfielders: Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sunelita Toppo, Ishika, Rajni Kerketta, Sakshi Rana, Khaidem Shileima Chanu

Forwards: Deepika, Beauty Dungdung, Kanika Siwach, Mumtaz Khan, Lalrinpuii

Alternate Players: Binima Dhan, Himanshi Sharad Gawande

There is no confirmation of the live telecast of the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 matches in India.

(With PTI Inputs)jilimk online casino