Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Nov 24 (NationPress) On a bustling Monday, the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 saw a flurry of teams arriving in India for this esteemed tournament. Among the teams landing in Madurai were Malaysia, Egypt, Namibia, England, and South Africa, while New Zealand concluded their journey in Chennai.

The first to arrive were the Malaysians, who secured the 12th spot in 2023 and are drawn in Pool E alongside England, Austria, and the Netherlands. Their campaign kicks off against Austrian rivals on November 29, followed by a challenging match with the formidable Netherlands on November 30, and concluding the group stage against England on December 2.

Next to touch down were the Egyptians, who claimed the ninth position in the previous tournament. They are in Pool D with Belgium, Spain, and Namibia, and will begin their journey against Spain on November 28. Their second match is against Namibia on the 30th, and they will face Belgium on December 2.

Following closely were Namibia, making their debut in this edition, also in Pool D. Their first game is against Belgium on November 28, followed by a contest against Egypt on the 30th, and concluding against Spain on December 2. Coach Johann Wyhe expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, stating, “The support has been outstanding—truly on another level. Our team has trained rigorously, and we’re prepared to seize every moment on the field.”

Next was England, returning to the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup for the first time since 2016 when they finished eighth. They are also in Pool E, alongside Austria, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. England is eager to make an impact, beginning their campaign against the Netherlands on November 29, followed by Austria on November 30, and wrapping up against Malaysia on December 2. Coach Jon Bleby remarked, “The hospitality has been fantastic, and we’re excited to be in India for the World Cup, a place renowned for its incredible hockey atmosphere.”

The last team to arrive in Madurai was South Africa, placed in Pool A with Canada, Germany, and Ireland. They finished 10th in the last tournament and will begin their campaign against the defending champions Germany on November 28, followed by a match against Ireland the next day, and finishing off with Canada on December 1. Coach Guy Elliot expressed excitement about the warm welcome and the energy that has already heightened their spirits for the tournament.

Meanwhile, in Chennai, New Zealand, who achieved their best Junior Men’s World Cup finish of fourth place in 2009, arrived on Monday afternoon. They are grouped in Pool C with Argentina, China, and Japan, starting their campaign on November 28 against China. New Zealand will also face Argentina on November 30 and Japan on December 1. Coach Mike Delaney shared, "The energy of playing hockey in India is incredible. We’re eager to hit the pitch and continue our historic rivalry with India."