FIH Junior World Cup 2025: India Thrash Chile 7–0 on Opening Day as Tournament Begins with Big Wins

When the dust settled after matchday 1 of FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Chennai and Madurai, one thing was clear: this tournament has started not just with goals — but with heart. From roaring crowds to thrilling hockey, from emphatic victories to areas calling out for deeper reflection, the first day offered everything a fan could ask for.

Here’s how things unfolded — and what we at i1sports believe the teams and fans need to keep an eye on.


India’s Statement of Intent — Dominant, but More Than Just Numbers

On Friday night at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, India opened their campaign against the Chile National Hockey Team, and boy — they did it with style. Winning 7–0 wasn’t just a result; it was a message.

Early control: From the first quarter, India controlled possession, rattling Chile’s defence and winning their first penalty corner within minutes.

Clinical finishing: The breakthrough came in the second quarter — and then goals flowed.

Standout performers: Rosan Kujur and Dilraj Singh led the charge (each netting twice), giving a glimpse of India’s attacking depth.

Team cohesion: Possession stats (around 59 %) and circle penetrations hinted at a team not just hunting goals — but building attacks.


For many fans, this felt like the return of Indian hockey — fearless, confident, fast. The kind that makes the stadium roar, and the kind that can carry hopes all the way to the final.


A Global Goal-Fest — The Records, The Glory, The Promise

India wasn’t alone in lighting up matchday 1. Across Chennai and Madurai, the tournament collectively served up what the official organisers fittingly called “a festival of goals.”

In Madurai:

Germany National Hockey Team opened against South Africa National Hockey Team with a 4–0 win — a confident start from the defending powerhouse.

Belgium National Hockey Team shone brightest, hammering Namibia National Hockey Team 12–1 — the biggest margin of the day.

Spain National Hockey Team routed Egypt National Hockey Team 8–0 — and yes, there were dazzling attacks, slick passes and ruthless finishing.

Meanwhile, the Ireland National Hockey Team edged out Canada National Hockey Team 4–3 — a close, gritty game that showed this Cup won’t just be about powerhouses dominating weaker sides.


On the whole — 24 teams, new turf, renewed ambitions, and a tournament format featuring six pools of 4 teams each, meaning every game matters from day one.

It felt like world hockey had come to India with purpose — and from what we saw on day one, the purpose is alive and roaring.


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But It’s Not All Rainbows — Grey Areas That Need Urgent Attention

With all the fireworks and cheers, some cracks are visible — gaps we can’t ignore if this World Cup is to live up to its promise.

Defensive discipline lacking for some teams: Whether it’s Namibia conceding 12 or Egypt falling 8–0 to Spain, some teams looked outmatched. Not just in skill — but in structural defence. This may result in heavy scorelines rather than competitive matches.

Quality gap between top and lower-tier sides: The wide score margins suggest that while the Cup has widened the global net (with 24 teams this time), the gap in standards remains vast. For the long-term development of hockey worldwide, that’s worrying.

Pressure on hosts mounting: India’s win sets a high bar. With home crowd and expectations, every upcoming match will be under a microscope. Can the young Indian squad, under new coach PR Sreejesh, keep this consistency — or will pressure creep in?

Real test still ahead: Opening matches are nice — but as teams advance, tactics, stamina and mental strength will be tested. Early fireworks don’t guarantee the fire will last till December 10.


In short: the Cup has given us hope. But also a few warnings. And it’s on players, coaches — and all of hockey — to heed them.


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What This Means for Hockey — And For Us

This Junior World Cup isn’t just a tournament. For India, it’s a launchpad — a chance to shape a senior team for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.
For global hockey, it’s a reminder that raw talent exists everywhere — but infrastructure, coaching and opportunity still matter.

For fans … it’s a dream come alive. The kind where you look at a field, and see not just players — but potential legends.

At i1sports, we believe this is what sport should do: ignite passion, demand discipline, build hope. The first day was beautiful. The journey ahead will test us.

But as long as the grass is green, sticks are ready, and fans keep roaring — there is nothing more beautiful than hockey.


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What’s Next — Eyes on Tomorrow

India face Oman National Hockey Team next — Pool B continues, and a strong win could set the tone for qualification.

Teams like Belgium, Spain, Germany will push — expect more fireworks and maybe a few shocks.

For weaker sides: time to regroup, strategise and show grit. A pool of 24 teams isn’t just about winning — it’s about growth.


We at i1sports will be right there — match after match, moment after moment. Because this isn’t just a tournament. It’s the future of hockey.

Captains with World Cup.