Chennai, Nov 20 (NationPress) The Netherlands men’s junior hockey team has arrived in Chennai on Thursday to participate in the highly awaited FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025. The tournament is set to unfold in Tamil Nadu from November 28 to December 10, spanning the lively cities of Chennai and Madurai.

This year, 24 teams are competing for the prestigious title, making it the most extensive and competitive edition in the tournament's history.

The Netherlands, known for their consistent performance in the Junior World Cup, comes with a remarkable legacy. They are among the few countries that have competed in every tournament since its beginning. Their accolades include a silver medal in 1985 and 2009, as well as bronze medals in 1979 and 2013. With their last podium finish occurring over ten years ago, the Dutch team enters the 2025 edition with renewed vigor and a clear goal — to claim the elusive World Cup trophy.

Upon arrival, the team’s coach, Jesse Mahieu, remarked, “I have visited India several times, including with the senior national team, and I always cherish the warm welcome we receive. For many of our players, this is their first trip outside Europe, making it a particularly unforgettable experience.”

He further stated, “We anticipate a highly competitive tournament. With a new format featuring 24 teams, the competition will be fierce, and several strong teams are in contention. Our strategy is to progress through the tournament step by step, starting with our opening match against England.”

Additionally, team captain Casper van der Veen expressed, “We eagerly await this tournament — to savor the experience and challenge ourselves to perform to the best of our abilities. Currently, we are focused solely on the group stage, which includes England, Austria, and Malaysia. Each match demands our full intensity to secure a strong position early on. After the pool stage, we will evaluate our potential opponents in the quarterfinals.”

The Netherlands team has been placed in Pool E alongside Austria, England, and Malaysia. They will kick off their campaign on November 29 against England in what promises to be an exhilarating match in Madurai. The team aims to deliver a strong opening performance as they strive for Junior World Cup glory.