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Tamil Nadu launches trophy tour, mascot for Junior Hockey World Cup
The holding of the Junior World Cup will feature one of the largest fields in the event—24 teams—divided into six pools of four teams each.
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Prabhjot Paul Singh - Mon, 10, Nov 2025
- 21:35 EST
- 15
Representative image / Hockey India
Tamil Nadu’s long association with hockey is getting a further boost with the holding of the FIH Hockey World Cup for Junior Men at Chennai and Madurai simultaneously.
It is the first time that a World Cup in hockey is being held in Tamil Nadu.
Besides holding Champions Trophy tournaments in 1996 and 2005, Chennai (earlier Madras) has been the venue of several international hockey tournaments, starting with the Rene Frank Invitation Hockey Tournament that the then president of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), Dr. M.A.M. Ramaswamy, organized to felicitate the FIH chief, Rene Frank, after India’s maiden World Cup triumph at Kuala Lumpur in March 1975.
Since then, Madras/Chennai has played host to several Asian Hockey Federation events but seldom got to host any FIH event other than the two Champions Trophy events.
Of late, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have had opportunities to host various FIH events, including World Cups (both men’s and junior men’s), Olympic qualifiers, FIH Pro League mini tournaments, and other events.
The holding of the Junior World Cup, which saw the last-minute withdrawal by Pakistan, will feature one of the largest fields in the event—24 teams—divided into six pools of four teams each. Pakistan has been replaced by Oman in a pool that also features India, Chile, and Switzerland.
As the tournament is officially scheduled to begin on Nov. 28, the Tamil Nadu Trophy Tour and the official mascot of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 were launched at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Nov. 10. The tournament is set to be hosted in Chennai and Madurai and will conclude on Dec. 10.
The Trophy Tour was jointly flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Udhayanidhi Stalin and FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram. It will travel through 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, from Kanyakumari to Chennai, between Nov. 10 and 25, celebrating the state’s deep connection with the sport and building excitement among fans and young athletes ahead of the global event.
The launch also witnessed the unveiling of the official tournament mascot, “Kangeyan,” which draws its name and inspiration from the Kangeyam Kaalai, a native breed of bull symbolizing strength, pride, and Tamil identity. Native to the Kongu region and revered across Tamil Nadu, the majestic Kangeyam is celebrated for its valor in Jallikkattu, especially in Madurai, where the sport thrived as a cultural emblem.
For generations, Tamil farmers have regarded the Kangeyam as a member of their family, a companion in labor, a guardian of tradition, and a reflection of perseverance. Through “Kangeyan,” Tamil Nadu proudly showcases its deep-rooted heritage, connecting the passion of the sport with the enduring spirit of its people.
Ahead of the event, the tournament organizing committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, held a high-level coordination meeting to review the preparations and ensure seamless conduct of the upcoming tournament.
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “Tamil Nadu has shown exemplary commitment in hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup. The committee’s detailed review and the launch of the Trophy Tour reflect the state’s enthusiasm and dedication. With the unveiling of ‘Kangeyan,’ a symbol of Tamil pride and resilience, we are confident this edition will leave a lasting legacy for Indian hockey.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, “The collaboration between Hockey India, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and FIH has been outstanding. From infrastructure development to grassroots engagement through the Trophy Tour, every effort is being made to ensure a world-class experience for teams and fans. The passion and support from the people of Tamil Nadu will make this Junior World Cup truly special.”
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