Junior Hockey World Cup: India and Pakistan to Clash in Pool B Showdown

Hockey (AP Photo)

India is preparing to welcome Pakistan as both nations find themselves in Pool B of the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai.

The draw ceremony, a landmark event held at the FIH headquarters, determined the composition of the pools for the first-ever 24-team tournament.

Here's a breakdown of the pool assignments:

• Pool A: Germany, South Africa, Canada, and Ireland
• Pool B: India, Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland
• Pool C: Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, and China
• Pool D: Spain, Belgium, Egypt, and Namibia.
• Pool E: Netherlands, Malaysia, England, and Austria.
• Pool F: France, Australia, Korea, and Bangladesh.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram, along with Hockey India (HI) Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh and Hockey India Director General RK Srivastava, attended the draw ceremony.

Ikram emphasized the significance of the expanded tournament, stating, "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."

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