Madurai, Nov 21 (NationPress) The teams from Ireland and Australia have landed in India as they gear up for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025. The Irish squad was the first to arrive in Madurai on Friday afternoon, shortly followed by the Australian team, which touched down in Chennai.

Ireland is set to compete in Pool A, where they will take on Canada, Germany, and South Africa during the group stage. The Green Machine will begin their journey against Canada on November 28, followed by a match against South Africa on November 29, and closing their pool games against Germany on December 1.

The challenge ahead for Ireland is significant. Coach Neville Rothman expressed his excitement, stating, “This is my first experience in Madurai, and the reception has been incredible, a moment I will cherish. The warmth of India is unmatched. Our preparations have been effective, the team spirit is high, and the players are eager. We aim to present our best selves on the field.”

He elaborated, “We kick off against Canada. We have devised several strategies for the match, but our primary focus is straightforward: performing at our peak and executing our plan. In terms of the tournament, we are taking it one game at a time, remaining grounded, continually improving, and seeing where that journey takes us.”

Earlier in the day, the Australian junior men’s hockey team, affectionately called the Burras, arrived at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup with a rich history of success in the tournament. Renowned for their consistency and skill, they have garnered six Junior World Cup medals, a testament to their longstanding prowess.

Australia made a notable entrance in 1982, securing a silver medal, a feat they repeated in 1989. Their impressive record continued with a bronze medal in 1993, and they reached the apex of junior hockey in 1997, clinching their inaugural gold medal by defeating India in a thrilling final in Melton Keynes. The Burras added another silver in 2005, and in 2009, they returned to the podium with a bronze, reinforcing their elite status in the sport.

As Australia prepares for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, they will compete in Pool F, facing Bangladesh, France, and Korea. The Australian team will commence their campaign on November 29 in Chennai, beginning with a match against Bangladesh, which they hope will be a launching pad for a successful tournament.

Ahead of the tournament, Australian coach Jay Stacy, a four-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medallist, stated, “The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 is a major event we have been preparing for since the year began, starting with the qualifiers in New Zealand. We followed that with a European tour and the Johor Cup. Our focus has been on building confidence, as we don’t train together regularly in Australia. Therefore, it’s crucial for us to concentrate on our strengths, analyze our opponents thoroughly, and deliver consistent performances.”