Will Hosts India and Rivals Pakistan Clash in Pool B at the Hockey Men's Junior World Cup?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup is set to ignite excitement as hosts India and arch-rivals Pakistan face off in Pool B. Scheduled from November 28 to December 10 in Tamil Nadu, this tournament will showcase 24 teams for the first time. With a new stadium in Madurai, it promises to be a groundbreaking event for hockey enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- India and Pakistan drawn in Pool B.
- FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup to feature 24 teams for the first time.
- Matches scheduled from November 28 to December 10 in Tamil Nadu.
- New hockey stadium to be built in Madurai.
- Germany is the current champion.
Lausanne, June 28 (NationPress) The host nation, India, along with its fierce rivals, Pakistan, have been allocated to Pool B for the upcoming FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup, set to take place in Tamil Nadu from November 28 to December 10.
During the draw ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland, the six pools for this expanded tournament, featuring 24 teams for the first time, were revealed. The Indian team will also compete against Chile and Switzerland in Pool B.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram attended the ceremony alongside Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, and Cdr. RK Srivastava, Director General of Hockey India.
Before the draw, President Ikram expressed, “It is an absolute privilege to witness this significant moment as we embark on the journey to the inaugural 24-team FIH Junior Hockey World Cup! This aligns with FIH's mission to empower youth globally, especially from emerging nations, marking the first step in that direction.
“I extend my gratitude to the leadership in Tamil Nadu, including Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, for their warm welcome to the young athletes in the beautiful cities of Chennai and Madurai. This World Cup provides an opportunity to enhance our hockey infrastructure, including a new state-of-the-art hockey stadium in Madurai.
“I also wish to thank Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya for recognizing hockey as a premier sport and for their support both in India and internationally.”
The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu, India 2025, will unfold in Chennai and Madurai.
Secretary General of Hockey India, Bhola Nath Singh remarked, “Today signifies a pivotal moment in the realm of hockey as we unveil the pool draw for the inaugural FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, with 24 nations participating. On behalf of Hockey India, I sincerely thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering support to our sport and athletes nationwide. Under his visionary leadership and that of Sports Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya, India’s hockey scene is witnessing remarkable growth.”
“This achievement is a testament to the guidance and support of our esteemed leader, Dato Tayyab Ikram, whose advocacy for international hockey has been invaluable. I congratulate all 24 participating teams in advance and warmly welcome every delegation to India. We aspire for this event to be an unforgettable and enriching experience for all,” he concluded.
Currently, Germany holds the title of Junior Men’s World Champions, having triumphed over France with a score of 2–1 in the final of the 2023 edition, securing their seventh title. The defending champions will compete against South Africa, Canada, and Ireland in Pool A.
Full draw:
Pool A: Germany, South Africa, Canada, Ireland
Pool B: India, Pakistan, Chile, Switzerland
Pool C: Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, China
Pool D: Spain, Belgium, Egypt, Namibia
Pool E: Netherlands, Malaysia, England, Austria
Pool F: France, Australia, Korea, Bangladesh
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the significance of this tournament in fostering international hockey. The allocation of India and Pakistan in Pool B not only heightens the competitive spirit but also serves as a platform for youth engagement in sports. We stand firmly in support of initiatives that promote hockey on a global scale.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup take place?
The tournament is scheduled from November 28 to December 10, 2025, in Tamil Nadu, India.
Which teams are in Pool B?
Pool B consists of India, Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland.
Where will the matches be held?
The matches will be held in the cities of Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
How many teams will participate in the tournament?
This year marks the first time 24 teams will participate in the FIH Men's Junior World Cup.
Who are the current champions?
Germany are the reigning Junior Men’s World Champions, having won their seventh title in the 2023 edition.
