The Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team arrived in Chennai on Saturday, marking the start of their final preparations for the FIH Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, set to take place from 28 November to 10 December across Chennai and Madurai.
With home fans rallying behind them and momentum from a strong season, the two-time Junior World Cup champions are set for a high-stakes campaign on familiar turf. India, champions in 2001 and 2016, will aim to reclaim the coveted title they last lifted in Lucknow nine years ago. The hosts have been placed in Pool B alongside Chile, Switzerland, and Oman, presenting a favourable but competitive path to the knockout stages.
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Led by captain Rohit and coached by Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh, the squad carries confidence from recent international outings as well as weeks of high-intensity preparation at national camps.
Strong Build-Up Through International Competition
India’s junior side enters the World Cup with significant exposure against top global teams. Earlier this year, the squad impressed at the Four Nations Tournament in Berlin, followed by a European tour featuring matches against strong Belgian, German, and Dutch opposition valuable experience for a group aiming to contend for the title.
More recently, India secured an impressive silver medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, reaffirming their readiness and competitive temperament. Since returning, the team has undergone structured training blocks at their Bengaluru camp, focusing on tactical refinement, fitness, and match simulations designed to prepare them for the pressure of a home World Cup.
Players Express Excitement and Confidence Upon Arrival
Speaking after the team’s arrival, captain Rohit expressed the squad’s enthusiasm and readiness for the challenge ahead.
“We are very happy to arrive in Chennai for this prestigious tournament. We have been preparing for this moment for many months now and are excited and optimistic to compete against the world’s best teams. Tamil Nadu has a great hockey culture, and we look forward to playing here. I urge all the fans to come to the stadium and support us,” he said.
Defender Amir Ali echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of playing a World Cup on home soil.
“It is an honour to play the World Cup in India. Almost a decade ago, India won the Junior World Cup as hosts, and we will try our best to repeat history in Chennai. The team is very confident in our preparation, and we will continue our training here to ensure we are fully ready for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Tournament Path: Pool Matches Begin 28 November
India will open their World Cup campaign against Chile on 28 November, followed by back-to-back Pool B clashes against:
•Oman – 29 November
•Switzerland – 2 December
With strong support expected in Chennai, India aims to harness home conditions to build early momentum and push toward a deep run in the knockout rounds. As the countdown begins, anticipation continues to grow across the country. The Indian junior team arrives not just with preparation and promise, but with the belief that they can script a memorable campaign on home soil and chase a historic third world title.
