Madurai set for international bow with Junior Hockey World Cup
Madurai, situated on the banks of the Vaigai river in south-central Tamil Nadu, has been part of India’s cultural fabric for centuries. According to various historical inscriptions, the city was called Koodal (meaning assembly in Tamil). Legend says the region hosted three Tamil Sangams – gatherings of legendary scholars and poets – during what came to be called the Sangam era (300 BC – 300 AD).
Now a bustling metropolis, Madurai is set to host another congregation, this time at the rechristened ‘Madurai International Hockey Stadium’. Tamil Nadu’s third-largest city will co-host the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 with Chennai, the traditional home of field hockey in the state. The temple city will stage preliminary-round fixtures across three groups (Pool A, D and E), as well as a solitary game from Pool B, featuring the host country, India.
READ | FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup 2025: India squad preview, fixtures, strengths and weaknesses
Seven-time champion Germany, twice runner-up Netherlands and the losing finalist in the 2016 edition, Belgium, will be among the teams calling Madurai their home for the initial part of the fortnight-long tournament. After the completion of the first phase, the city will host the qualification matches to identify the nations that will finish 17th to 24th in the competition.
At first glance, most of the city seems oblivious to the international tournament, with billboards carrying the official insignia only prominently displayed in the vicinity of the ground. However, when the hooter goes off for the first game at 9 am on November 28, the 2000-capacity stadium will not be basking in its blue emptiness.
Hockey India’s decision to offer free tickets will allow the general public to soak in a bit of India’s national sport. But, they will not be the only ones marking their presence in the stadium. The Sports Authority of Tamil Nadu’s Sports Hostel of Excellence (SHE) in Kovilpatti is only 100 kilometres away from the centre of action. Budding hockey players from the centre will also be eager to draw inspiration from the brightest international talent in junior hockey. A team from the SHE even participated in a practice match against Malaysia on the eve of the tournament start.
“One of the biggest reasons behind organising a big event in our country is to bring it closer to the areas where the talent comes from. Many Olympians have come from this part of Tamil Nadu. In future, more players must come out and play for the country,” Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh told Sportstar.
“The second thing is, once the tournament is over, players from the district will be able to use these facilities to practice. When they play in a venue where a World Cup was held, their mindset will be at a high level,” he added.
Inhabitants of Madurai, known as thoonga nagaram (City that never sleeps) due to its nocturnal eateries and markets, will have to be early risers for the duration of the tournament, with matches set to start during breakfast time. Temperatures are expected to remain below 30°C through the day, and with some light showers hiding behind the clouds, the ambience will be ideal for some high-class, combative hockey.
Published on Nov 27, 2025