Will the Match Against Pakistan Be Exciting for Junior Men's Hockey WC?
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Synopsis
As India prepares to face archrival Pakistan in the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, Coach PR Sreejesh anticipates an exciting match. The tournament expands to 24 teams for the first time, promising thrilling competition. Will India reclaim glory after a fourth-place finish in 2023? Discover the stakes and strategies as the tournament approaches.
Key Takeaways
- India faces Pakistan in a highly anticipated match.
- The tournament has expanded to 24 teams for the first time.
- Each match is crucial for securing points.
- Teams will compete in a new pool format.
- India aims to improve on its fourth-place finish in 2023.
Bengaluru, June 30 (NationPress) Following the draw that placed India in Pool B alongside fierce rivals Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland for the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Tamil Nadu, Indian head coach PR Sreejesh expressed that the clash with Pakistan is poised to be intriguing in this newly expanded 24-team tournament.
The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 will take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10.
"Our Pool B presents an exciting challenge, featuring Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland. While I anticipate that the match against Pakistan will be captivating, the tournament's real intensity will commence from the quarterfinals. Hence, we plan to approach each match methodically, aiming to secure as many points as possible for a favorable quarterfinal position," Sreejesh stated in a Hockey India announcement.
He elaborated on his strategies for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 within this new format, noting, "This marks the first occasion the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup has expanded to 24 teams, and we are tailoring our preparations accordingly. Competing in this new structure will be thrilling."
The forthcoming 14th edition of the FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup has increased its participant count to 24 teams, vying for the prestigious title, a significant rise from the 16 teams that participated in previous tournaments. This is the first instance of 24 teams competing in the World Cup, having initially started as a 12-team tournament that expanded to 16 teams from 2001 onwards.
According to the new competition structure for the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025, teams will be segmented into six pools (A-F), each containing four teams. Every team will compete against others in their pool, accumulating points based on match outcomes.
Teams will be ranked within their pools based on the points gathered and will engage in crossover matches, where the third and fourth-placed teams in each pool will determine their final rankings. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, which will adopt a knockout format leading to the semifinals and the final.
Teams falling short in the quarterfinals will participate in classification matches to finalize their rankings (5-8), while teams eliminated in crossover matches will engage in classification matches for their final standings (9-16), and the bottom teams in their pools will play classification matches to determine their rankings (17-24).
In the last edition of the FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup held in 2023, India finished fourth, missing the podium. Their most remarkable achievements were back in 2001 and 2016 when they clinched the Men's Junior Hockey World Cup titles.
Germany holds the record as the most successful team in the Men's Junior Hockey World Cup, having secured the title seven times and currently stands as the defending champion after winning the tournament in 2023.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the significance of the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025. With India facing formidable opponents in Pool B, this tournament not only showcases the evolution of junior hockey but also reflects the aspirations of a nation eager to reclaim its past glory. The expanded format presents new challenges, and it is crucial to support our young athletes in their quest for success on this prestigious platform.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 scheduled?
The tournament will be held from November 28 to December 10, 2025.
How many teams are participating in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025?
For the first time, 24 teams will compete in the tournament.
What is the new format of the tournament?
The teams will be divided into six pools with four teams each, playing matches to earn points for advancement.
What has been India’s best performance in past editions?
India won the Men's Junior Hockey World Cup titles in 2001 and 2016.
Which team is the defending champion?
Germany is the current defending champion, having won the tournament in 2023.
