India is set to host the highly anticipated FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup from November 28 to December 10. This prestigious event will take place across two vibrant cities, Chennai and Madurai. In a significant milestone for the tournament, it will feature a record 24 teams competing for glory, marking the first time such a large number of nations will participate in this junior event.

The draw ceremony was held at the FIH headquarters, which revealed the pools for the tournament. India has been placed in Pool B alongside traditional rivals Pakistan, as well as Chile and Switzerland. The other pools are equally competitive: Pool A includes Germany, South Africa, Canada, and Ireland; Pool C features Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, and China; Pool D consists of Spain, Belgium, Egypt, and Namibia; while Pool E showcases Netherlands, Malaysia, England, and Austria, and Pool F includes France, Australia, Korea, and Bangladesh.

This groundbreaking draw ceremony was attended by key figures, including FIH president Tayyab Ikram, Hockey India (HI) secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, and Hockey India Director General RK Srivastava. In his remarks, FIH chief Ikram expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone event, stating, “It is a great pleasure for me to be here ahead of a milestone moment as we start the journey towards the first ever 24-team FIH Junior Hockey World Cup!” He emphasized the tournament's role in empowering youth from various nations, particularly emerging hockey nations, and described it as a critical step in enhancing global hockey engagement.

Ikram also highlighted the opportunity the World Cup presents for improving hockey infrastructure in the host cities, specifically mentioning the introduction of a new state-of-the-art hockey stadium in Madurai. Bhola Nath Singh added his perspective, noting that this event marks a “landmark moment for the world of hockey as we witness the pool draw for the inaugural FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup, featuring 24 nations.”

Currently, Germany holds the title for the Junior Men’s World Championship, having claimed victory against France with a score of 2-1 in the final of the 2023 tournament, thus securing their seventh championship title. As the tournament approaches, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating what is sure to be an exhilarating showcase of junior hockey talent.