New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) Hockey India on Friday announced Chennai and Madurai, in Tamil Nadu
as the host cities for the forthcoming FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup, which will be held from November 28 to December 10.
The two-week hockey extravaganza will see 24 teams participating for the first time for the coveted title.
This will be the third successive FIH Junior Men’s World Cup being held in India with the previous editions of the prestigious event being held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha in 2021 and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 2016 which was won by India.
Speaking about the event, President, Hockey India, Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “It is a matter of great pride for Hockey India to host the forthcoming FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup and I express our gratitude to the Chief Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin who have extended unparalleled support to successfully host the event. With 24 teams playing the Junior World Cup this time, we will have the event in two cities – Chennai and Madurai. While Chennai has hosted the Asian Champions Trophy in 2023, Madurai will be hosting an international event of this magnitude for the first time and we are happy to take hockey to different parts of the country.”
Reflecting his views on Hockey India’s hosting capabilities, Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, said, “Our Federation has been in the forefront of hosting global events and once again, we look forward to leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup is a mega success. It is our endeavour to take hockey to different venues across India and promote the game. It is with this vision that we chose Chennai and Madurai as the venues and this was possible only because of the support we have of the Tamil Nadu State Government and the leadership of our (Hockey India) Treasurer Sekar Manoharan.”
Expressing his excitement to bring back hockey’s glory days to Tamil Nadu, Sekar Manoharan said,
“I am grateful to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu MK Stalin and Sports Minister Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin for their passion and support for hockey. We in Tamil Nadu want to bring back the glory days of hockey in the state and Chennai for long was one of the most popular venues for international hockey events. We look forward to welcoming global hockey fans to our great state and enjoy our hospitality.”
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