Madurai, Nov 22 (LatestNewsX) – Belgium became the second squad to arrive in Madurai on Saturday, as the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil 2025 edges closer to its opening matchday on November 28.
Known as the Young Red Lions, Belgium aims to outperform the team that finished ninth at the 2023 World Cup in Malaysia, missing the quarter‑finals. Their best showing came in 2016 in Lucknow, where they lost to hosts India in the final and took home silver.
In Pool D, Belgium will face Egypt, Namibia and Spain, all matches taking place in Madurai’s opening phase. They start against Namibia on November 28, take on Spain on the 30th, and finish the group stage against Egypt on December 2.
Head coach Sean Dancer says the young side is eager to improve on its 2023 performance and fight for gold in a country where it has fond memories. Key players to watch include Hugo Labouchère (7 caps) and Lucas Balthazar (16 caps), both important members of Belgium’s senior team.
Upon arrival, Dancer remarked, “I’ve participated in many hockey tournaments worldwide, but I’ve never received a welcome like this at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil 2025. It’s amazing to be here in Madurai.”
When asked about preparations, he added, “We’ve been training hard back home in Belgium, and we’re pleased with our progress. We’re truly looking forward to competing in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil 2025.”
Ireland was the first team to arrive in Madurai, preparing for the tournament that runs from November 28 to December 10 and gathers 24 teams across the globe. The Junior World Cup will be played in Chennai and Madurai, the largest field in its history.
Drawn into Pool A, Ireland will face Canada, Germany and South Africa during the group phase. The Green Machine opens against Canada on November 28, meets South Africa on November 29, and wraps up the pool stage versus Germany on December 1.
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