Lucknow wins the hosting rights for the Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016, confirmed by an FIH Press release today. The city which has hosted events like the Hockey India League, National Championships and boosts of being the capital of a state which has given many legendary hockey players.
The tournament which will feature 16 best teams from across the globe competing for a World Junior title, will be played between December 8-18, 2016.
The tournament which conceptualizes the need of inducting fresh bloods in international hockey regularly, provides the raw talents from across the globe a platform to compete and in return takeaway international fame with skillful stick work. The countries which have qualified in the 2016 version of the tournament are: Argentina; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Canada; Egypt; England; Germany; India; Japan; Korea; Netherlands; South Africa; New Zealand; Pakistan and Spain.
Speaking about the news, Hockey India President and FIH Executive Board Member, Dr. Narinder Batra said,”“The Hockey Junior World Cup, aside from being one of international hockey’s showcase events, is also a competition that shows the future of our sport. It highlights the best of the best in the years to come. And for such an event, there is no better host than the cradle of Indian hockey.”
Speaking about the host city and host state, he added, further, “Uttar Pradesh has a long and rich history with our sport having provided our country with great hockey players. Names like Major Dhyan Chand, KD Singh Babu, Jaman Lal Sharma, Zafar Iqbal, Syed Ali are synonymous with hockey in India, therefore we are delighted to be taking this competition to a city with such an extensive history. We have no doubt that the local organisers and the people of Lucknow will put on a fantastic event for athletes, spectators and TV viewers around the world. The achievement to bring such a top level international event to Lucknow is only possible due to the young, dynamic and progressive thinking of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Honourable Shri Akhilesh Yadav.”
Confirming the news, the FIH President Leandro Negre said, “Lucknow is the perfect stage for our young stars to shine. It is a hotbed for hockey, its residents passionate about our great sport. Their energy combined with Hockey India’s experience of delivering first class events will be key to the success of the men’s Junior World Cup.”
Speaking about the team and officials, he further added, “I’m sure all of the teams, officials and fans heading to Lucknow will have a thoroughly enjoyable experience in this city which has a unique history and rich culture that will provide lasting memories from this event.”
The women version of the Hockey Junior World Cup will take place at Santiago, Chile between November 24- December 4, 2016, just before the men’s version, featuring Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, China, England, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, USA and Zimbabwe.