Latest news with #FIHHockeyMen'sJuniorWorldCup2025
New Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
HI & TN govt sign MoU for FIH Men's Jr WC, Pakistan also part of plans for marquee event
CHENNAI: Hockey fans in Tamil Nadu are in for a treat as Hockey India (HI) and the Tamil Nadu Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 to be held in the state. The official logo for the said event was also unveiled during the event that was held on Thursday. Moreover, the HI officials also confirmed that Pakistan will be one of the participating nations. India and Pakistan's relationship has been at its lowest point ever since the Pahalgam terror attack earlier in April. That had also extended in the sporting arena with doubts regarding Pakistan's participation across various events. Pakistan had made the cut for the World Cup after finishing runners-up in the 2024 Junior Asia Cup. HI treasurer, Sekar J Manoharan, said that they have taken steps to ensure their participation. He confirmed that all the clearances have been sought from the central government to allow Pakistan to participate in the aforementioned event. The marquee event is scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. The number of participating teams has gone up from 16 to 24 teams. Each city will host 12 teams during the initial phase of the tournament before it shifts to the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium for the semifinal and the final. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, announced that the state government has sanctioned Rs 65 crore for the conduct of the tournament. "Chennai and Madurai will be the proud hosts for this grand event, showcasing our hockey legacy and rich infrastructure. Tamil Nadu has a proven track record of hosting major hockey events, dating back to the first edition of the Men's Champions Trophy in 1996," said Udhayanidhi. "The sanctioned amount will be spent not only for the event but also for infrastructure development, including a new world-class synthetic turf in Madurai," he added. HI secretary general, Bhola Nath Singh, praised the TN government for the initiative. "Hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup for the fourth time is both a privilege and a testament to India's growing reputation as a dependable and passionate host of major sporting events. This tournament is a celebration of youth, talent, and the global hockey community. The inclusion of 24 teams in this edition speaks volumes about the sport's expanding reach, and we are excited to welcome the best junior talent from every continent. We sincerely thank the Government of Tamil Nadu for its proactive support. The MoU signed today is more than just a formality-it is a shared promise to deliver an unforgettable tournament that inspires generations to come," said Bhola Nath. Manoharan lauded the decision to host the event in Madurai, providing people from the southern parts of the state with an opportunity to witness top-class hockey in their backyard. "The southern zone in Tamil Nadu is a hockey hub. Building a stadium there and hosting an event will be a huge success. The decision to build a viewing gallery along with the new pitch in Madurai will allow many people to come and watch the games and get inspired," said Manoharan, who's also the president of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu. "Our junior team has been doing well, and we hope to see the side finish on the podium in front of the home crowd," he added.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Hockey India and TN government sign MoU, unveil official logo of FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025
Hockey India and the Government of Tamil Nadu on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and unveiled the official logo for the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 to be held in the State. The 14th edition of the international hockey tournament will be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10 and will see the number of participating teams rise from 16 to 24. Each city will host 12 teams during the initial phase of the tournament before the bandwagon shifts to the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in the capital for the semifinal and the final. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayinidhi Stalin, announced that the State government has sanctioned Rs. 65 crore for the conduct of the tournament. 'Chennai and Madurai will be the proud hosts for this grand event, showcasing our hockey legacy and rich infrastructure. Tamil Nadu has a proven track record of hosting major hockey events, dating back to the first edition of the Men's Champions Trophy in 1996,' the Deputy Chief Minister said. 'The sanctioned amount will be spent not only for the event but also for infrastructure development, including a new world-class synthetic turf in Madurai,' he added. 'Hosting back-to-back high-profile hockey events [Asian Champions Trophy in 2023 and the Junior World Cup in 2025] is a testament to the excellence in hosting and the support provided by the Tamil Nadu State government,' Hockey India Secretary General, Bhola Nath Singh, said. Hockey India Treasurer, Sekar J. Manoharan, lauded the decision to host the event in Madurai, providing people from the southern parts of the State an opportunity to witness top-class hockey in their backyard. 'The southern zone in Tamil Nadu is a hockey hub. Building a stadium there and hosting an event will be a huge success. The decision to build a viewing gallery along with the new pitch in Madurai will allow many people to come and watch the games and get inspired,' said Manoharan, the President of the Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu. 'Our junior team has been doing well, and we hope to see the side finish on the podium in front of the home crowd,' he added. Manoharan also confirmed that all the clearances have been sought from the central government to allow Pakistan, which qualified for the tournament after finishing runner-up in the 2024 Junior Asia Cup, to participate in the under-21 event.
India Gazette
24-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Birendra Lakra joins Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team as assistant coach
New Delhi [India], May 24 (ANI): Hockey India on Saturday announced that former Indian Men's Hockey Team stalwart Birendra Lakra has joined the Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team as assistant coach. The 35-year-old veteran defender will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who currently serves as the coach of the team. Lakra's transition from a player to a mentor is expected to strengthen the Indian Junior Men's Team's defensive structure and overall game temperament, key elements as they gear up for a highly competitive FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 at home, scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai, the release stated. A seasoned international, Lakra made his debut for India in 2010 and went on to become one of the country's most consistent and reliable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games - London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India won a historic Bronze medal. Over an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments. His impressive career highlights include a Gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, Bronze in 2018, Silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, Silver at the 2014 CWG, and Silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won Bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 (Raipur and Bhubaneswar) and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy (Gold in 2016, Silver in 2012). Most recently, Odisha-born Lakra showcased his fitness and zeal playing for Team Gonasika in the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25, further underlining his enduring commitment to Indian hockey. Speaking about his new role, Birendra Lakra said, 'It is a great honour to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such an important time. I know what it takes to wear the India jersey, and now I look forward to helping the next generation of players prepare for the big stage. Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been a teammate and an inspiration, is an exciting challenge. We are committed to building a fearless and well-prepared team for the tournaments ahead, especially the all-important Junior World Cup, which will take place later this year.' PR Sreejesh, Coach of the Indian Junior Men's Team, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition and stated, 'Having Birendra join us is a massive boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable to these young players. We have shared many battles on the field, and I'm confident we will bring the same synergy and commitment to this new chapter as coaches. Together, we want to nurture a squad that can make the country proud.' (ANI)
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Birendra Lakra joins Indian junior men's hockey team as assistant coach
New Delhi: Hockey India on Saturday announced that former Indian men's team stalwart Birendra Lakra has joined the Indian junior men's team as assistant coach. The 35-year-old veteran defender will work closely with legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who currently serves as the coach of the team. Lakra's transition from a player to a mentor is expected to strengthen the Indian junior men's team's defensive structure and overall game temperament, key elements as they gear up for a highly competitive FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 at home, scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. A seasoned international, Lakra made his debut for India in 2010 and went on to become one of the country's most consistent and reliable defenders. He represented India in two Olympic Games – London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, where India won a historic bronze medal. Over an illustrious career spanning over a decade, Lakra played a key role in India's campaigns at the World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and other major tournaments. His impressive career highlights include a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, bronze in 2018, silver at the 2013 Asia Cup, silver at the 2014 CWG, and silver at the 2018 Champions Trophy. He was also part of the Indian squad that won bronze medals in the World League Finals in 2015 (Raipur and Bhubaneswar) and achieved podium finishes at the Asian Champions Trophy (gold in 2016, silver in 2012). Most recently, Odisha-born Lakra showcased his fitness and zeal playing for Team Gonasika in the Hockey India League 2024-25, further underlining his enduring commitment to Indian hockey. Speaking about his new role, Birendra Lakra said, 'It is a great honour to be part of the Indian Junior Men's setup at such an important time. I know what it takes to wear the India jersey, and now I look forward to helping the next generation of players prepare for the big stage. Working alongside someone like Sreejesh, who has been a teammate and an inspiration, is an exciting challenge. We are committed to building a fearless and well-prepared team for the tournaments ahead, especially the all-important Junior World Cup, which will take place later this year.' PR Sreejesh, coach of the Indian junior men's team, expressed his enthusiasm about the addition and stated, 'Having Birendra join us is a massive boost. He brings a wealth of experience, tactical intelligence, and calm leadership that will be invaluable to these young players. We have shared many battles on the field, and I'm confident we will bring the same synergy and commitment to this new chapter as coaches. Together, we want to nurture a squad that can make the country proud.'
