India opened their FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 campaign, with a blast, registering a 7-0 victory over Chile at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Friday. After a delayed start due to an elaborate opening ceremony, the hosts initially struggled to break down Chile’s compact defense during a goalless first quarter.
However, the floodgates opened in the second period as Rosan Kujur struck twice in quick succession, giving India control of the match. Dilraj Singh added a third just before halftime, capitalizing on a penalty corner rebound to hand India a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break.
The tactical adjustments made by head coach P.R. Sreejesh, who observed the game from a vantage point in the stands, paid immediate dividends in the second half.
Dilraj Singh doubled his tally three minutes after the restart, finishing a move initiated by Ankit Pal. Minutes later, 17-year-old Ajeet Yadav extended the lead to 5-0 with a skillful reverse flick over the goalkeeper.
The relentless pressure continued into the final quarter, where Anmol Ekka converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick, and captain Rohit sealed the rout with a penalty stroke in the dying seconds.
Despite the scoreline, India’s penalty corner conversion rate remains a concern, managing only six set-pieces from 38 circle entries. The team relied heavily on aerial balls to bypass Chile's low block, a strategy that yielded mixed results early on but proved effective as the game progressed.
Kujur, named Player of the Match for his influential midfield performance and brace, acknowledged the slow start but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to improve. "We started slowly and missed early chances, but going forward, we will make amends," he said.
The victory places India at the top of Pool B, ahead of Switzerland on goal difference. The match highlighted the gulf in experience between the two sides, with several Indian players already boasting senior caps compared to Chile's debutants.
Chile captain Felipe Richard admitted the physicality of the Indian team was difficult to handle as the game wore on. India will now look to consolidate their position when they face Oman in their second pool fixture on Saturday.