Hockey Junior World Cup: Rosan Khujur, Dilraj Singh's heroics propel India to resounding 7-0 win over Chile in campaign opener

India began their FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 campaign on a high note, delivering a resounding 7-0 victory over Chile on November 28. The win was powered by braces from both Rosan Khujur and Dilraj Singh. Rosan scored two field goals in the 16th and 21st minutes, while Dilraj also found the net twice in the 25th and 34th minutes.

India bully Chile 7-0 in Junior Hockey World Cup opener

Additional goals for India came from Ajeet Yadav (35th minute), Anmol Ekka (48th minute), and captain Rohit (60th minute). The Indian team, ranked second in the Under-21 category, is set to face Oman in their second Pool B match on November 29.

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Despite being the dominant side and enjoying the majority of possession, the Indians failed to break the deadlock in a barren first quarter. The Chilean defense was stout, preventing the Indian forwards from creating any clear-cut scoring chances. India did have a promising opportunity just before the quarter ended when they earned their first penalty corner, but the flick from captain Rohit was successfully defended by the Chileans.

Rosan Khujur, Dilraj Singh shine bright with braces

The deadlock was finally broken a minute into the second quarter. Rosan Khujur scored India's first goal after being set up by Manmeet Singh, who collected an aerial ball deep and delivered it in front of the 'D' for Rosan to slam home from inside the circle. Moments later, Manmeet had a golden chance to extend the lead, but his reverse hit went inches wide of the Chilean goal.

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Rosan Khujur quickly doubled India's lead in the 21st minute with a display of impressive stick work, dodging two defenders and Chile goalkeeper Nicolas Troncoso after receiving a precise pass from Arshdeep Singh. The attacking pressure continued, and India earned their second penalty corner in the 25th minute; although the initial flick was saved by the Chile custodian, Dilraj Singh capitalized on the rebound to score. The first half was characterized by complete Indian domination, particularly in the second quarter, as play remained largely confined to Chile's defensive half.

India maintained their supremacy after the break, extending their lead just four minutes into the second half when Dilraj scored his second goal of the match, finishing a pass from Ankit Pal. A minute later, Ajeet Yadav registered his name on the scoresheet, expertly finding the net with a high reverse hit following a feed from Gurjot Singh. Chile finally secured their first scoring opportunity in the 40th minute via a penalty corner but failed to convert the chance. India then made the score 6-0 in the 48th minute when Anmol Ekka perfectly converted the home team's third penalty corner. In the closing minutes, India earned another penalty corner in the 57th minute but could not capitalize. However, they were awarded a penalty stroke just 49 seconds before the final hooter, and captain Rohit confidently made no mistake from the spot. Although India earned two final, consecutive penalty corners in the dying seconds, they were unable to convert them, concluding the match with a dominant 7-0 victory.