New Delhi: With the 7th Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2015 scheduled to commence on September 5 in Changzhou, China, the Indian Junior women hockey team departed for the all important tourney on Monday. Placed in the Pool A of the tournament, the young Indian eves will face the challenges of China, Malaysia, Singapore and DPR Korea in the pool phase. The team will clash against DPR Korea in the opening match of the tournament and will aim to open their outing with a win.

Speaking ahead of the departure Chief Coach, Mathias Ahrens said "We have a very good team for this tournament. After having long preparation camp, players are now confident that we can overcome obstacles and come home successfully as a Junior World Cup qualified team. We will face tough teams like China, Korea and Japan as all are preparing like us to qualify for the World Cup. Tournament will be very competitive with these top teams and a new entrant DPR Korea. We have to see how these teams performs in the tournament. Our first objective is to reach the semi final of the tournament."

Speaking on the tournament Captain Rani Rampal said "The tournament will be very competitive as Asia's best teams will participate in this event. Our players are very much prepared and ready to face the challenges. After a long preparation camp, we are feeling confident and we will display our best skills. Our aim is to reach the final of the tournament."

The 7th Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2015 gives an opportunity for qualification for the FIH Junior World Cup (Women) 2016. The upcoming tournament will be played from 5th to 13th September 2015 in Changzhou, China. A total of nine Junior Asian teams will participate in this prominent tournament. India’s first clash will be against DPR Korea on 5th September at 12.30 pm IST.