New Delhi:
India will play their opening match against Canada in the 11th editon of the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup to be played in Lucknow from December 8 to 18.
The hockey fans will be treated to 10 days of high-speed, action packed hockey at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. There, the world rising stars will battle it out to be crowned junior mens world champions in what will be one of the most competitive hockey events of the year.
The pool stages will take place between December 8-12 before the classification matches begin on December 14. The medal matches will then be held on December 18.
Besides India taking on Canada, New Zealand and Japan kick-off what will be a hugely entertaining opening day which will also see reigning champions Germany start their title defence against Spain.
Day two highlights include Oceania champions Australia match against Korea, while the game between 2014 bronze medallists Netherlands and Pakistan is sure to offer plenty of excitement.
Super Saturday then follows, with a battle between the Pan-American and Oceania champions Argentina and Australia possibly the pick of the day, followed later by a renewal of an old rivalry between India and England.
Belgium versus Netherlands is bound to offer a few surprises on Sunday, with Pakistan?s match against African junior champions Egypt another crucial game as the pool stagesnear completion.
Amongst the last matches, some tough challenges await Austria who play Australia, and South Africa who take on India in the concluding game of the pool stage on Monday evening. India are placed in Group D alongside Canada, South Africa and England.
