Tamil Nadu’s long and proud association with hockey is set for a major milestone as the state prepares to host the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, with matches taking place simultaneously in Chennai and Madurai.
This marks the first-ever Hockey World Cup, senior or junior, to be held in Tamil Nadu, further cementing its legacy as one of India’s hockey heartlands.
While Chennai (formerly Madras) has hosted several prestigious tournaments – including the Champions Trophy editions in 1996 and 2005, and the Rene Frank Invitation Hockey Tournament in 1975 – this is the first time an FIH World Cup event will be played in the state.
The 1975 event, organized by the late Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy, then President of the Indian Hockey Federation, honored FIH Chief Rene Frank following India’s maiden World Cup victory in Kuala Lumpur.
In recent years, FIH tournaments have largely been staged in other Indian states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The 2025 Junior World Cup’s arrival in Tamil Nadu marks a return of top-tier international hockey to the southern region.
The Junior World Cup, featuring a record 24 teams divided into six pools, will officially begin on November 28 and conclude on December 10. Following the last-minute withdrawal of Pakistan, Oman has joined a pool alongside India, Chile, and Switzerland.
The event promises to showcase the next generation of global hockey talent, with both venues, Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai and Madurai’s new hockey complex, gearing up to deliver a world-class sporting experience.
On November 10, the Tamil Nadu Trophy Tour and the official tournament mascot, ‘Kangeyan’, were unveiled at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. The ceremony was led by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram, who jointly flagged off the Trophy Tour.
The tour will travel through 38 districts across Tamil Nadu, from Kanyakumari to Chennai, between November 10 and 25, celebrating the state’s rich hockey culture and engaging communities ahead of the tournament.
The mascot ‘Kangeyan’ draws inspiration from the Kangeyam Kaalai, a native breed of bull revered for its strength, pride, and resilience—qualities deeply woven into Tamil heritage. The Kangeyam, native to the Kongu region and celebrated in Jallikkattu festivals, especially in Madurai, embodies the cultural spirit of Tamil Nadu.
Through ‘Kangeyan,’ organizers aim to connect the enduring spirit of Tamil Nadu’s people with the passion and perseverance that define hockey.
Ahead of the event, a high-level review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who also heads the tournament organizing committee, assessed progress on logistics, infrastructure, and coordination to ensure a seamless event.
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey lauded Tamil Nadu’s commitment, stating, “Tamil Nadu has shown exemplary commitment in hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup. The committee’s detailed review and the launch of the Trophy Tour reflect the state’s enthusiasm and dedication. With the unveiling of ‘Kangeyan,’ a symbol of Tamil pride and resilience, we are confident this edition will leave a lasting legacy for Indian hockey.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, “The collaboration between Hockey India, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and FIH has been outstanding. From infrastructure development to grassroots engagement through the Trophy Tour, every effort is being made to ensure a world-class experience for teams and fans. The passion and support from the people of Tamil Nadu will make this Junior World Cup truly special.”
