India Junior Hockey Coach PR Sreejesh Reacts to FIH Junior World Cup Pools, Confident Ahead of Expanded Format

The countdown has begun for the 14th edition of the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup, scheduled for later this year. As excitement builds around the tournament's first-ever 24-team format, India's Junior Men's Hockey Team head coach PR Sreejesh has shared his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for his squad.

The newly expanded tournament marks a significant evolution in the Junior World Cup's structure. Traditionally featuring 16 teams since the 2001 edition, the competition has now grown to include 24 teams - a move aimed at boosting global competitiveness and participation in the sport.

This revamped format will see teams divided into six pools (A-F), with four teams in each. The top two teams from every pool will progress to the Quarterfinals, while the remaining teams will contest crossover and classification matches to determine their final standings from 5th to 24th place.

India have been drawn in Pool B alongside traditional rivals Pakistan, as well as Chile and Switzerland. While the group appears balanced, it promises to deliver intense match-ups - especially given the regional rivalry with Pakistan. And the head coach PR Sreejesh acknowledges the challenge it will bring.

Commenting on the pool draw, coach PR Sreejesh said, "Our Pool B presents a good challenge, with Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland. While I expect the match against Pakistan will be interesting, the tournament will really start from the Quarterfinals. Therefore, we will take each game as it comes, one step at a time and grab as many points as we can to secure the best spot in the Quarterfinals."

This edition of the Junior World Cup will also test teams with its intricate progression structure. Unlike previous editions, where the focus was on advancing from a smaller pool, the 2025 format introduces added pressure - and more knockout-level fixtures from the outset.

Acknowledging the unique setup, Sreejesh said, "This is the first time the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup, 2025 has been expanded to 24 teams, and we're planning our preparations accordingly. Playing in this new format will be very exciting."

India will be eyeing a return to the podium after narrowly missing out in the 2023 edition, where they finished fourth. Their most successful campaigns came in 2001 and 2016, when they lifted the trophy. Germany, the reigning champions, remain the benchmark with seven titles to their name - making them the most successful team in the tournament's history.

With a new format, familiar foes, and rising global participation, the 2025 FIH Men's Junior World Cup promises to be a landmark event - and India, under the guidance of one of its most iconic goalkeepers, will look to seize the moment.