India is set to host the esteemed Junior Hockey World Cup next year, marking the inaugural inclusion of 24 teams in a men’s junior hockey world cup. The tournament is scheduled for December and will be the fourth edition held in India, following successful events in 2013 (New Delhi), 2016 (Lucknow), and 2021 (Bhubaneswar).
In an official declaration, FIH President Tayyab Ikram expressed, “Providing increased opportunities to a larger and more diverse number of National Associations is a key tenet of our empowerment and engagement strategy.” He further underscored the importance of diversity in sporting events, citing the resounding success of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman earlier this year. “Therefore, I am pleased that we have expanded the number of participating teams for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups and eagerly anticipate seeing these 24 young teams, representing the future of our sport, next year,” he added.
In the most recent edition held in Kuala Lumpur in 2023, Germany emerged as the champions after securing a 2-1 victory over France, with Spain and India achieving third and fourth places, respectively. President of Hockey India, Dilip Tirkey, conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to host the forthcoming tournament, emphasizing its role in highlighting India’s growing importance in international hockey and reinforcing the country’s commitment to cultivating the sport for future generations.
This sentiment was echoed by Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, who underscored the significance of the event. “We are grateful for the FIH’s confidence in us. This event presents a wonderful opportunity to elevate hockey to even greater heights, inspiring an entirely new generation of players and fans in India and globally. We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament is a memorable experience that celebrates all that hockey embodies.”