FIH Announces Junior Hockey World Cup Pools: India and Pakistan in Same Group

LAUSANNE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has officially released the pool assignments for the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup. The draw places rivals Pakistan and India in the same group for the competition.

The draw, which took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, divides the 24 participating teams into six groups (A to F). The tournament is scheduled in Tamil Nadu, India, from November 28 to December 10, with matches in Chennai and Madurai.

According to the official groupings, Group A consists of Germany, South Africa, Canada, and Ireland.

Group B, anticipated to be highly competitive, features Pakistan, India, Chile, and Switzerland, raising prospects for a compelling match between the Asian adversaries.

Group C includes Argentina, New Zealand, Japan, and China. Group D is made up of Spain, Belgium, Egypt, and Namibia.

The Netherlands, Malaysia, England, and Austria will compete in Group E, while Group F includes France, Australia, Korea, and Bangladesh.

Defending champions Germany will seek to defend their title. However, Pakistan’s participation is uncertain given ongoing political tensions with India.

The pool announcements had been postponed twice before without any official explanation.

After a period of anticipation, the FIH has now revealed the draw for the prominent junior event.

New Zealand Defeats Pakistan in FIH Nations Cup Final

In the FIH Nations Cup final last week at the National Hockey Stadium, New Zealand defeated Pakistan 6-2.

New Zealand began strongly, netting twice but having both attempts disallowed. They then scored in the sixth minute with Scott Coslett’s successful penalty corner conversion.

New Zealand extended their lead with a goal by Sam Hiha in the final minute of the first quarter.

They further increased their advantage in the next quarter when Dylan Thomas scored within two minutes.

Sean Findlay scored a sensational goal, putting New Zealand in command, and Scott Boyde made it 5-0 before halftime.

Pakistan managed their first goal in the third quarter when Zikriya Hayat scored. Despite earning five penalty corners in the third quarter, Pakistan couldn’t convert them, keeping the score at 5-1.

In the final quarter, both teams competed fiercely, but New Zealand secured a penalty corner, which Coslett converted. Pakistan responded with Sufyan Khan converting a penalty corner, but New Zealand secured a 6-2 victory.