Sports Desk: Excitement is peaking as more international squads land in India ahead of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, scheduled from November 28 to December 10. Japan and Chile arrived in Chennai, while Spain and Austria reached Madurai, marking the next wave of teams gearing up for the biggest-ever Junior World Cup.
Japan, making their fourth appearance at the tournament, are placed in Pool C with Argentina, China and New Zealand. They open their campaign against Argentina on November 28. Head coach Yoshihiro Anai said the squad is well-prepared after training against Japan’s senior national team and hopes for a strong finish.
Chile, drawn in Pool B with hosts India, Oman and Switzerland, begin their challenge against India on November 28. After a 15th-place finish in 2023, the team is determined to improve this year.
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Spain, two-time bronze medalists (2005, 2023), are placed in Pool D and will face Egypt in their opening match on November 28 in Madurai. Coach Oriol Puig Torras expressed confidence in the squad and hopes to aim higher than bronze.
Austria, making their second Junior World Cup appearance since 2016, are drawn in Pool E and start their campaign against Malaysia on November 29. Coach Robin Rosch said the team is eager to showcase its progress and make the most of the opportunity. With the global hockey community assembling in India, anticipation continues to build ahead of the tournament’s opening whistle.
