Japan, Chile, Spain and Austria Arrive in India Ahead of FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025
Chennai/Madurai, Nov 26 — With just days to go for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, more international teams have touched down in India, further intensifying the excitement surrounding what is set to become the biggest Junior World Cup edition in history. Teams from Japan and Chile arrived in Chennai, while Spain and Austria reached Madurai to begin final preparations for the global tournament scheduled from November 28 to December 10.
The arrival of these teams underscores the scale of the upcoming event, with 24 nations competing across Tamil Nadu — a first for any Junior World Cup.
Event Overview
As the world’s top junior talent converges on India, each arriving team brings unique strengths, history and expectations:
- Japan — 4th Junior World Cup appearance
- Chile — Looking to improve on their 15th-place finish in 2023
- Spain — Two-time Bronze medalists (2005, 2023)
- Austria — Making only their second-ever appearance after 2016
The stakes are high as teams begin acclimatising to conditions in Chennai and Madurai ahead of the opening matches.
Japan Arrive With Confidence for Their Fourth World Cup Appearance
Japan’s Junior Men’s team landed in Chennai late Monday night. Drawn into Pool C with Argentina, China and New Zealand, the side knows they face a challenging group. Their tournament schedule includes:
- Nov 28: Japan vs Argentina
- Nov 30: Japan vs China
- Dec 1: Japan vs New Zealand
Head coach Yoshihiro Anai exuded confidence in his team’s preparation:
“We have prepared well for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025. We trained by playing against the senior Japan Men’s Hockey Team, and we believe we are in good shape. Our first game against Argentina will probably be our toughest in the group stage,” he said.
With tactical discipline and a technical style of play, Japan aims for their strongest performance ever at a Junior World Cup.
Chile Land in Chennai, Determined to Improve on 2023 Performance
Close on Japan's heels, the Chile Men's Junior Team also arrived in Chennai. They enter the competition in Pool B alongside hosts India, Oman and Switzerland.
Chile completed the 2023 edition in 15th place and have openly expressed their desire to produce a significantly improved performance this year.
Their group-stage fixtures include:
- Nov 28: Chile vs India
- Nov 29: Chile vs Switzerland
- Dec 2: Chile vs Oman
Facing the home side in their opening match, Chile expects a challenging but motivating start to their campaign. The large Indian crowds and charged atmosphere could serve as both an inspiration and test for the young squad.
Spain Arrive in Madurai Aiming for a Medal Upgrade
Two-time Bronze medalists Spain reached Madurai with clear ambitions — to “change the colour of the medal.” Spain last won Bronze in 2005 and repeated the feat in 2023, showcasing consistent strength at junior level.
Drawn into Pool D with Belgium, Egypt and Namibia, Spain begin their run on November 28 against Egypt.
Head coach Oriol Puig Torras, experiencing Madurai for the first time, expressed pride and optimism:
“The welcome has been truly wonderful. We are very excited and proud to be part of such a prestigious tournament. Our preparations have gone well, and I believe we have a strong team capable of performing at a high level. Of course, we dream of going a step further this time,” he said.
Spain’s structured play, strong midfield organisation and clinical attacking style make them one of the most promising contenders this season.
Austria Touch Down for Their Second Junior World Cup Appearance
Austria, making only their second appearance after 2016, also landed in Madurai. Their previous finish of 12th in 2016 leaves them hungry for progress.
Placed in Pool E with England, Malaysia and the Netherlands — three strong opponents — Austria face a steep challenge. Their first match is:
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Nov 29: Austria vs Malaysia
Head coach Robin Rosch praised the warm reception in India:
“The welcome has been fantastic — truly an amazing experience for all of us. Our focus is on progressing further and making the most of this opportunity. Preparations have been steady, and we play Germany in a training game as part of our final build-up. We’re looking forward to competing and giving our best,” he said.
Austria’s disciplined structure and compact defensive approach could surprise opponents in a tough pool.
Impact and Significance of Early Arrivals
The early arrival of teams allows:
- Valuable adaptation to Indian weather conditions
- Training on tournament-certified pitches
- Final tactical adjustments
- Recovery from long travel schedules
With 24 teams involved, the 2025 edition is the most extensive Junior World Cup ever hosted, reflecting India’s capability as a major global hockey destination.
Tamil Nadu’s dual-host cities — Chennai and Madurai — have transformed into international hockey hubs, showcasing upgraded infrastructure, world-class facilities, and vibrant local enthusiasm.
Conclusion
With Japan, Chile, Spain and Austria joining the list of teams already in India, the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 is quickly gaining momentum. As pools begin to shape up and practice sessions intensify, the stage is set for two weeks of high-speed hockey, emerging talent and nation-defining performances.
Fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see which rising stars will take centre stage in Tamil Nadu.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The arrival of these four teams marks a crucial moment in the tournament build-up. With strong contenders like Spain and emerging forces like Japan, Austria and Chile, this year’s Junior World Cup promises competitive clashes, fresh storylines and unforgettable moments. As India prepares to host the biggest edition yet, the world of hockey is watching closely.