LAUSANNE (Switzerland): India will host the Men's Junior Hockey World Cup next year, marking the return of the event to the country after nine years, the International Hockey Federation's executive board announced on Tuesday.
The tournament will be held in December and will be the first time that the Hockey Junior World Cup will feature 24 teams.
This was announced by FIH President Tayeb Ikram, who said: "Giving greater opportunities to play for a larger and more diverse number of national associations is one of the key pillars of our empowerment and engagement strategy."
“We saw at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman this year how greater diversity brings a huge added value to our events.
“Therefore, I am very pleased that we have increased the number of participating teams for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup and I look forward to seeing these 24 young teams representing the future of our sport next year!” He added.The last edition of the tournament was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2023, with Germany emerging winners with a 2-1 win over France. Spain and India stood third and fourth respectively.
India has hosted the tournament thrice in the past, in 2013 (New Delhi), 2016 (Lucknow) and 2021 (Bhubaneswar). India was also the winner of the 2016 edition.
Ikram said, “At this stage, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Hockey India for their commitment to organize another great event.,
Expressing his gratitude, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said: “This prestigious tournament highlights India's growing importance in international hockey and reflects our dedication to growing the game for future generations.
“We are excited to share India's rich hockey history and provide a platform for young talents to showcase their skills.”
Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh called it an important step for HI.
“We appreciate the confidence FIH has in us. This event provides a great opportunity to take hockey to even greater heights, inspiring a whole new generation of players and fans in India and globally. "
He said, “We are committed to making this tournament a memorable experience that will celebrate everything that is hockey."
The tournament will be held in December and will be the first time that the Hockey Junior World Cup will feature 24 teams.
This was announced by FIH President Tayeb Ikram, who said: "Giving greater opportunities to play for a larger and more diverse number of national associations is one of the key pillars of our empowerment and engagement strategy."
“We saw at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman this year how greater diversity brings a huge added value to our events.
“Therefore, I am very pleased that we have increased the number of participating teams for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup and I look forward to seeing these 24 young teams representing the future of our sport next year!” He added.The last edition of the tournament was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2023, with Germany emerging winners with a 2-1 win over France. Spain and India stood third and fourth respectively.
India has hosted the tournament thrice in the past, in 2013 (New Delhi), 2016 (Lucknow) and 2021 (Bhubaneswar). India was also the winner of the 2016 edition.
Ikram said, “At this stage, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Hockey India for their commitment to organize another great event.,
Expressing his gratitude, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said: “This prestigious tournament highlights India's growing importance in international hockey and reflects our dedication to growing the game for future generations.
“We are excited to share India's rich hockey history and provide a platform for young talents to showcase their skills.”
Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh called it an important step for HI.
“We appreciate the confidence FIH has in us. This event provides a great opportunity to take hockey to even greater heights, inspiring a whole new generation of players and fans in India and globally. "
He said, “We are committed to making this tournament a memorable experience that will celebrate everything that is hockey."
