Junior Hockey World Cup Draw: India and Pakistan Face Off in Pool B as Tournament Expands

India is gearing up to host the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. The draw has placed the host nation in Pool B alongside rivals Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland.

Hockey action on the field. (AP Photo)

The draw ceremony, a landmark event, was held at the FIH headquarters, marking the first time the tournament will feature an expanded format of 24 teams. This expansion aims to promote youth engagement in hockey across the globe.

The pool compositions 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

The event 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.

FIH President Ikram stated, "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! It is a part of the FIH strategy to empower and engage the youth from all nations, including the emerging nations, and this event will be the first step towards doing that."

Bhola Nath added, "Today 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." He also highlighted the opportunity to enhance hockey infrastructure, including the introduction of a new state-of-the-art hockey stadium in Madurai.

Germany enters the tournament as the defending champions, having secured their seventh title by defeating France 2-1 in the 2023 final.