The tournament is scheduled to open at Potchefstroom, South Africa from 1st April.

"We got a good time to prepare ourselves, we trained with the senior team and I think it will really help us in doing well in the competition. We are really looking forward to this challenge and our aim is to finish on the podium," Salima said.

Talking to Hockey India in Bhubaneswar ahead of their departure, the captain said, "The long wait finally ends for us. We are absolutely excited to take part in the Junior World Cup.

Grouped in Pool D, India will begin their campaign on 2nd April when they take on Wales. Their second match will be against Germany on 3rd April, followed by their last pool stage game against Malaysia on 5th April.

Talking about the team's preparedness, she said, "Several players like Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Deepika, Sangita Kumari, Bichu Devi Kharibam and Ishika Chaudhary had recently made their senior team debuts at the FIH Hockey Pro League , so we are pretty much in a good frame of mind.

"We are in good shape and confident of doing well. We even got a chance to play practice matches with the senior team, so the training and preparations have been really good. We are motivated, and will certainly give our best to finish on the podium."

"As a captain, I will look to help my teammates at any point they need me to step in. I will also look to make good combinations with the players," She added.

"We have a few experienced players in our team including Lalremsiami, Sharmila, and Ishika Chaudhary. We will all discuss together how we can take the team forward and improve our gameplay together. My role will be to take the team together alongside me," she added.

Despite the strong competition in the group stage, Vice-captain Ishika Chaudhary, said that she is feeling confident about being included in the leadership group and explained the reasons for the same.

"I feel confident of being named as the Vice-Captain of the team. We have a lot of support from every corner. We have been playing together for some time. As a team, we have a good understanding. We are also young, so we are very excited and full of energy. Hence, I know I have the support system that I need to help me with the responsibility and I cannot wait for the tournament to begin," Ishika said.

Lalremsiami, who has been an integral part of the India Senior Women's Team for the past few years now, also spoke on how her experience of playing at the senior level will help her and the team in the prestigious event.

"I have played with the senior women's team for some time now, but I am grateful to receive the opportunity to be a part of the Junior Women's Team for the tournament. I know what my role is in the team and I always want to help all my teammates. I would look to guide my teammates as much as I can do," she said.

"There are a few players in our team who don't have as much game experience. My biggest role would be to guide these players and to help them adapt to the pressure. I will look to help the team in recognising when we have to go for the attack, and when we need to defend, and will take any and every responsibility that comes my way," the 20-year-old added.