Host nation India made a dream start to the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup as they routed Chile 7-0 in their opening Pool B match at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd saving its loudest cheers for the home team’s entry after a vibrant Opening Ceremony — the tournament being co-hosted by Chennai and Madurai.
Expected to dominate the opener, India delivered a commanding performance fashioned through a brace each from attacking midfielder Rosan Kujur and striker Dilraj Singh. Ajeet Yadav, Anmol Ekka, and Rohit netted a goal each to seal a seven-star victory, while Chile spent all 60 minutes chasing shadows.
“Great feeling for me and the team,” said Rohit after the emphatic win. “In the first quarter we played okay, but then we found good rhythm and finished well. We scored seven goals which gives players the confidence to maybe repeat it in the next match.”
The victory gives the two-time Junior World Cup champions strong early momentum as they look to progress further in the tournament.
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