Madurai, Nov 25 (NationPress) As the anticipation builds for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, teams are steadily arriving in India. Japan and Chile have landed in Chennai, while Spain and Austria have reached Madurai to commence their final preparations.

Scheduled from November 28 to December 10, this prestigious tournament sees teams arriving with unique ambitions, histories, and expectations as the international hockey community gathers in India for the most significant Junior World Cup ever.

Japan, competing in their fourth FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, arrived late Monday night. They are in Pool C with Argentina, China, and New Zealand and are keen to establish their presence in India. Their opening match will be against Argentina on November 28, followed by games against China on November 30, and New Zealand on December 1.

Upon their arrival, Japan’s head coach Yoshihiro Anai stated, “We have prepared thoroughly for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025. We trained with the senior Japan Men’s Hockey Team and feel ready. Our match against Argentina will likely be our toughest challenge in the group stage.”

Following closely behind were the Chile Men’s Junior Hockey Team, drawn in Pool B with India, Oman, and Switzerland. After finishing 15th in the 2023 tournament, they aim to better their performance in India. Chile will kick off their campaign against the hosts, India, on November 28, followed by Switzerland on November 29 and Oman on December 2.

Spain, with a history of winning Bronze medals in 2005 and 2023, aims to elevate their game and change their medal color this year. They are placed in Pool D alongside Belgium, Egypt, and Namibia, starting their tournament on November 28 against Egypt in Madurai.

Spain’s coach, Oriol Puig Torras, remarked, “It’s my first visit to Madurai, and the welcome has been exceptional. We are thrilled to participate in such a significant tournament. Our preparations have gone well, and we believe our team has the capability to perform at a high level. With two Bronze medals under our belt, we dream of achieving something greater this time. We aim to showcase our best hockey and make our nation proud.”

Additionally, Austria, making their second appearance in the tournament since 2016, is eager to make an impact after finishing 12th that year. They are in Pool E with England, Malaysia, and Netherlands, starting their campaign on November 29 against Malaysia in Madurai.

Austrian coach Robin Rosch shared, “The hospitality has been remarkable — a truly fantastic experience for all of us. As this is our second time at the Junior World Cup, our goal is to advance further and seize this opportunity. Our preparations have been steady, and we will face Germany in our training match as part of our final preparations. We’re excited to compete and give it our all.”