Junior Hockey World Cup Draw Sets Stage for India-Pakistan Blockbuster in Pool B

India Set to Host Pakistan in Junior Men's Hockey World Cup Pool B Clash

India is gearing up to host the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup, scheduled from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. The highly anticipated tournament will see the host nation locking horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in Pool B, along with Chile and Switzerland.

Action shot of a hockey game.

The draw ceremony, a landmark event held at the FIH headquarters, signifies a historic moment as the tournament expands to include 24 teams for the first time.

The pool compositions are as follows:

• Pool A: Germany, South Africa, Canada, and Ireland
• Pool B: India, Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland
• Pool C: Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, and China
• Pool D: Spain, Belgium, Egypt, and Namibia
• Pool E: Netherlands, Malaysia, England, and Austria
• Pool F: France, Australia, Korea, and Bangladesh

The draw ceremony witnessed the presence of key figures, including FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Hockey India (HI) Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, and Hockey India Director General RK Srivastava.

FIH President Ikram emphasized the significance of the tournament in empowering and engaging youth from all nations, including emerging hockey nations. He hailed the event as a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

Bhola Nath highlighted the tournament's role in enhancing India's hockey infrastructure, including the introduction of a new state-of-the-art hockey stadium in Madurai. He stated this event marks a landmark moment for hockey with the expanded 24-nation format.

Germany enters the competition as the defending champions, having secured their seventh title by defeating France 2-1 in the 2023 final.