The draw for the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup 2025, held in Lausanne, Switzerland, has placed hosts India and Pakistan in the same group, Pool B, adding intrigue to the tournament. This decision comes amidst existing tensions between the two nations, raising questions about Pakistan's participation. Chile and Switzerland will join India and Pakistan in Pool B.
The placement of India and Pakistan in the same pool has generated considerable buzz, given the historical and political context. While the FIH is proceeding with the expectation that Pakistan will participate, the ongoing tensions have cast a shadow of uncertainty. Similar issues prevented Pakistan from participating in 2016, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold this time.
This year's tournament marks a historic expansion to 24 teams, a significant increase from the 12 teams in the inaugural edition and the 16 teams that participated until the 2023 edition. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. This will be the third time that India has hosted the Junior Men's Hockey World Cup, with previous editions held in Lucknow (2016) and Bhubaneswar (2021). While Chennai has experience hosting international events like the Asian Champions Trophy in 2023, this will be the first time Madurai hosts an event of this magnitude.
The other pools are as follows: * Pool A: Germany, South Africa, Canada, Ireland * Pool C: Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, People's Republic of China * Pool D: Spain, Belgium, Egypt, Namibia * Pool E: Netherlands, Malaysia, England, Austria * Pool F: France, Australia, Republic of Korea, Bangladesh
Germany is the most successful team in the history of the Junior Men's Hockey World Cup, with seven titles. They are also the defending champions, having defeated France in the 2023 final. Pakistan won the inaugural edition in 1979. India has won the title twice, in 2001 and 2016.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram, along with Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh and Hockey India Director General RK Srivastava, participated in the draw ceremony. Ikram emphasized the FIH's commitment to empowering and engaging young people from all nations through the tournament. He also expressed gratitude to the Tamil Nadu leadership, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, for hosting the event in Chennai and Madurai. He also thanked Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Sports Minister of India Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya for supporting hockey in India, Asia and globally.
Bhola Nath Singh, Hockey India Secretary General, said that this event marks a landmark moment for hockey as they witness the pool draw for the inaugural FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup featuring 24 nations.
The tournament format will see teams compete in a round-robin format within their respective pools. The top teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, while the remaining teams will participate in crossover matches to determine the final quarterfinalists and the subsequent rankings.
The inclusion of Pakistan in the same pool as India adds a layer of complexity and excitement to the upcoming Junior Men's Hockey World Cup. While political tensions may cast a shadow, the sporting rivalry between the two nations is sure to generate significant interest and anticipation.
