The countdown has begun for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, with Chennai and Madurai set to host the tournament from November 28 to December 10.
Hockey India and the Tamil Nadu government signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday and unveiled the official logo for the event.
In a major boost to India’s sporting calendar, this 14th edition of the tournament will witness an expansion from 16 to 24 teams. Each city will initially host 12 squads before the competition moves to the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai for the semifinals and final.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin announced a ₹65 crore allocation, earmarked for event execution and infrastructure upgrades. “Tamil Nadu proudly continues its hockey legacy by bringing world-class hockey to our cities, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure including a new synthetic turf in Madurai,” he said.
Sekar J. Manoharan, Treasurer of Hockey India, praised the inclusion of Madurai as a host, highlighting its growing hockey culture. “This move brings world-class sport closer to the southern region’s passionate fans,” he said.
With Pakistan also approved to participate after securing a runner-up position in the 2024 Junior Asia Cup, the stage is set for a high-stakes global face-off. Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh emphasised Tamil Nadu’s proven excellence in hosting top-tier events, marking this as another feather in the state’s sporting cap.
As preparations gear up, all eyes will be on the junior Indian squad, poised and hopeful to clinch glory on home turf.
