The draw for the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 has placed India and Pakistan in Pool B, alongside Chile and Switzerland, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter. The tournament, expanded to feature 24 teams for the first time, will be held in Chennai and Madurai, India, from November 28 to December 10.
P.R. Sreejesh, former captain and veteran goalkeeper of the Indian national team, is currently the head coach of the junior national team. Sreejesh acknowledged the challenge and excitement of facing Pakistan in the pool stage. "Our Pool B presents a good challenge, with Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland," Sreejesh stated, adding, "While I expect the match against Pakistan will be interesting, the tournament will really start from the Quarterfinals". He emphasized that the team would approach each game strategically, aiming to secure a strong position in the quarterfinals.
The expanded format of the tournament is a key focus for Sreejesh and his team. "This is the first time the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup, 2025 has been expanded to 24 teams, and we're planning our preparations accordingly," he noted. This expansion, from the previous 16-team format, aims to enhance global competitiveness and participation in hockey.
Under the new format, the 24 teams are divided into six pools (A-F) of four teams each. The top teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, while the remaining teams will compete in crossover matches to determine their final rankings.
Sreejesh, a celebrated figure in Indian hockey, brings a wealth of experience to his role as coach. He debuted in the junior national team in 2004 and joined the senior national team in 2006. His illustrious career includes over 300 matches for India, with highlights such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medal. He also has a bronze medal from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Sreejesh was also part of the gold-winning teams at the 2014 and 2022 Asian Games. In recognition of his achievements, he has been awarded the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan. After announcing his retirement from international hockey, Sreejesh transitioned into coaching, aiming to guide and inspire the next generation of players.
The India-Pakistan match adds an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty to the tournament. Historical tensions between the two nations often cast a shadow on their sporting encounters. In the past, these tensions have even affected Pakistan's participation, as seen in 2016 when they were unable to travel to India for the Junior World Cup due to visa issues.
Despite these challenges, the FIH is proceeding with the competition as planned. The Junior World Cup 2025 marks a significant moment for international hockey, with the expanded format reflecting a commitment to youth development and global engagement. India, as the host nation, looks forward to welcoming teams from around the world to Chennai and Madurai. Germany is the defending champion, having defeated France in the 2023 final. India finished fourth in the same edition.
