Excitement Grows as Teams Arrive for FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025

The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 is set to begin, with teams from Japan, Chile, Spain, and Austria arriving in India for final preparations. Each team carries unique ambitions and hopes to excel in this prestigious tournament. Japan aims to make a mark in Pool C, while Chile seeks to improve on their previous performance. Spain hopes to upgrade their medal status, and Austria looks to make a strong comeback. The excitement builds as the tournament approaches, promising thrilling matches ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 25, 2025, 16:19 IST

Teams Arrive for the Junior World Cup

Madurai, Nov 25: As the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 approaches, excitement is palpable with more teams landing in India. Japan and Chile have arrived in Chennai, while Spain and Austria have touched down in Madurai to commence their final preparations.

The tournament is scheduled from November 28 to December 10, attracting teams with diverse ambitions and histories, marking this edition as the largest Junior World Cup to date.

Japan, participating in their fourth Junior World Cup, arrived late Monday. They are in Pool C alongside Argentina, China, and New Zealand, eager to make an impact. Their first match is against Argentina on November 28, followed by games against China on November 30 and New Zealand on December 1.

Japan’s head coach, Yoshihiro Anai, expressed confidence, stating, “We have trained extensively, including matches against the senior team. We feel prepared and aim for a strong finish. Our opening match against Argentina will be particularly challenging.”

Following closely are the Chile Men’s Junior Hockey Team, placed in Pool B with India, Oman, and Switzerland. After finishing 15th in the previous tournament, they are determined to improve their performance. Chile will kick off their campaign against India on November 28, followed by matches against Switzerland on November 29 and Oman on December 2.

Spain, with two Bronze medals from 2005 and 2023, aims to upgrade their medal status this year. They are in Pool D with Belgium, Egypt, and Namibia, starting their journey against Egypt on November 28 in Madurai.

Spain’s coach, Oriol Puig Torras, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “This is my first visit to Madurai, and the hospitality has been exceptional. We are thrilled to be part of this prestigious event. Our preparations have been solid, and we aspire to elevate our performance and make our nation proud.”

Austria, making their second appearance since 2016, aims for a strong showing after finishing 12th in their last outing. They are in Pool E with England, Malaysia, and the Netherlands, beginning their campaign against Malaysia on November 29 in Madurai.

Austria’s coach, Robin Rosch, remarked on their preparations, stating, “The welcome has been incredible. This is only our second Junior World Cup, so we are focused on advancing and maximizing this opportunity. Our training has been consistent, and we recently played against Germany to prepare. We are eager to compete and give our best.”