India's Junior Men's Hockey Team launched their Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 7-0 rout of Chile in Pool B at Chennai's Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium.
Rosan Kujur (16',
21') and Dilraj Singh (25', 34') each claimed braces, while Ajeet Yadav (35'), Anmol Ekka (48'), and captain Rohit (59') added the others, with goalkeepers Bikramjeet Singh and Prince Deep Singh securing a clean sheet.
Chile mounted stout resistance in the first quarter, thwarting India's early probes despite Dilraj Singh's daring circle raids and a 15th-minute penalty corner that went unconverted. The visitors' disciplined defense kept the scoreline blank, testing the hosts' patience amid a charged Chennai crowd following Friday's grand opening ceremony.
India ignited post-breakout as Rosan Kujur slotted home in the 16th minute off a Manmeet Singh assist, then pounced unmarked on a midfield pass for his second at 21'. Dilraj Singh extended the lead to 3-0 from a rebound just before halftime, dismantling Chile's resolve and handing India full command.
Ankit Pal's dazzling run past defenders set up Dilraj's brace-completer in the 34th minute, followed swiftly by Ajeet Yadav's sharp reverse hit at 35' for a 5-0 cushion. Chile mustered a lone penalty corner but faltered, unable to pierce India's backline.
Anmol Ekka rifled a penalty corner into the top corner at 48' after Manmeet Singh's drag-flick deflection, before Rohit sealed the rout with a 59th-minute penalty stroke. The emphatic win positions India strongly ahead of their next Pool B clash against Oman.
