Chennai, Nov 10 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu trophy tour and the official mascot of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 were inaugurated at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Monday. This prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10, 2025.

The trophy tour was ceremoniously flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin and FIH President Tayyab Ikram. Over the span of two weeks, from November 10 to 25, the Trophy Tour will traverse through 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, from Kanyakumari to Chennai, celebrating the state's profound bond with the sport and generating excitement among fans and young athletes in anticipation of this global event.

In attendance were notable figures such as Thiru Dayanidhi Maran, Member of Parliament, Tamilachi Thangapandian, Member of Parliament, Thiru P.K. Sekar Babu, Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Government of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Paranthamen, MLA, Egmore, Dr. Atul Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Priya Rajan, Mayor of Chennai, Thiru J. Meghanatha Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, and Thiru Sekar J. Manoharan, Treasurer, Hockey India and President, Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu.

The event also featured the unveiling of the official tournament mascot ‘Kangeyan’.

Kangeyan is inspired by the Kangeyam Kaalai, a native breed of bull that represents strength, pride, and Tamil identity. This majestic animal, revered throughout Tamil Nadu and especially in Madurai for its valor in Jallikkattu, stands as a cultural emblem of the region.

For generations, Tamil farmers have cherished the Kangeyam as a family member, a labor companion, a guardian of customs, and a symbol of resilience. Through ‘Kangeyan’, Tamil Nadu proudly exhibits its rich heritage, linking the passion for hockey with the enduring spirit of its people.

Prior to the event, the tournament organizing committee, led by Deputy Chief Minister Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, conducted a high-level meeting to assess preparations and ensure the smooth execution of the upcoming tournament.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey expressed, “Tamil Nadu has demonstrated exceptional commitment to hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup. The committee’s thorough review and the initiation of the Trophy Tour highlight the state’s enthusiasm and dedication. With the launch of ‘Kangeyan’, a symbol of Tamil pride and resilience, we are optimistic that this edition will create a lasting legacy for Indian hockey.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh noted, “The collaboration among Hockey India, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and FIH has been remarkable. From infrastructure development to engaging grassroots through the Trophy Tour, every effort is focused on providing a world-class experience for teams and fans alike. The passion and support from the people of Tamil Nadu will undoubtedly make this Junior World Cup memorable.”