Pakistan may have missed playing in the Hero Asia Cup for Men at Rajgir in Bihar, losing a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIH World Cup for men. However, its junior team has decided to travel to Madurai and Chennai in November and December this year to compete in the FIH Junior World Cup.
Incidentally, both India and Pakistan have been drawn in the same pool in the 24-nation tournament, which will feature defending champions Germany taking on South Africa in the opener on November 27.
In addition to India and Pakistan, Chile and Switzerland are the other teams in the pool. The participants have been divided into six pools of four teams each. On September 8, the FIH announced the match schedule for the Junior World Cup, which will be played in Madurai and Chennai simultaneously.
India will start its campaign with a game against Chile on November 28, followed by a crucial match against Pakistan on November 29. The last game against Switzerland is scheduled for December 2.
Pakistan will begin with a match against Switzerland on November 28, followed by a game against India on November 29, and will conclude its pool matches against Chile on December 2.
Canada has been drawn in Pool A along with defending champions Germany, South Africa, and Ireland. It starts its campaign against Ireland on November 28, plays Germany on November 29, and South Africa on December 1.
The match schedule for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 was announced in Chennai, with the presence of FIH President Tayyab Ikram; Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development & Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu, Udhayanidhi Stalin; Dr. Atulya Misra, Additional Chief Secretary; J. Meghanatha Reddy, CEO/Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT); Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey; Secretary General Bholanath Singh; and Treasurer Sekar J. Manoharan.
Title holders Germany will face South Africa in an exciting opening match in Madurai, while hosts India will begin their Junior World Cup campaign against Chile in Chennai.
For the first time, the World Cup will feature 24 teams from around the world, and it will be played in Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu, from November 28 to December 10, 2025.
The pools for the competition, revealed on June 28, are as follows:
- Pool A: Germany, South Africa, Canada, Ireland
- Pool B: India, Pakistan, Chile, Switzerland
- Pool C: Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, China
- Pool D: Spain, Belgium, Egypt, Namibia
- Pool E: Netherlands, Malaysia, England, Austria
- Pool F: France, Australia, Korea, Bangladesh
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The launch of the match schedule for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 marks another exciting milestone on our journey to this prestigious event. For the first time in FIH history, the Junior World Cup will feature 24 teams, a major milestone achieved under the FIH Empowerment and Engagement strategy. This underlines the global growth and inclusivity of hockey and gives emerging hockey nations the opportunity to compete with top established teams.
“At the heart of this tournament are the athletes – the brightest young talents from across the world – who will showcase their passion, determination, and skill on the global stage. This is where future stars of international hockey will take their first steps toward greatness, inspiring millions of fans and the next generation of players.
“I am confident that Tamil Nadu, with its rich culture and love for hockey, will provide a truly exceptional backdrop for this celebration of youth, skill, and international friendship. We look forward to welcoming teams, officials, and supporters to what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.”
Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said: “It is a matter of immense pride for Tamil Nadu to host the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 across Chennai and Madurai. For the first time in history, 24 teams will come together in India to compete at this level, and it will be our honor to extend our warm hospitality and world-class sporting facilities. With the fixtures now revealed, the excitement truly begins as fans can start anticipating some thrilling encounters in both Chennai and Madurai.
“Hockey holds a special place in the hearts of people in Tamil Nadu, and this event will further inspire thousands of youngsters to take up the sport. We are committed to working closely with Hockey India and the International Hockey Federation to ensure that this tournament becomes one of the most memorable editions in history.”
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said: “We are delighted that Chennai and Madurai will host this historic edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, with 24 teams participating for the first time. This is not only a proud moment for Indian hockey but also a landmark occasion for the global hockey community. The unveiling of fixtures adds to the excitement as we now begin the countdown to an event that will showcase the next generation of hockey stars to the world. Hockey India is committed to delivering a world-class tournament that reflects the passion and love for hockey in Tamil Nadu and across India.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added: “The announcement of fixtures today makes the tournament feel very real for all the players, coaches, and fans. Having 24 teams in this edition underlines the rapid global growth of hockey, and it will be a privilege for India to host them. Chennai has a rich hockey culture, and Madurai is ready to make its international debut as a host city.”
Together, these venues will create an atmosphere that is “festive, competitive, and memorable,” he said adding he looks forward to “welcoming the world to Tamil Nadu and giving young players an unforgettable experience.”
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