11

Nov

Official Mascot “Kangeyan” for FIH Hockey World Cup launched

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Prabhjot Singh

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Toronto, Canada | Wednesday | 12 November 2025

Tamil Nadu’s long association with hockey is getting a further boost with the holding of the FIH Hockey World Cup for Junior Men at Chennai and Madurai simultaneously. It is the first time that a World Cup in Hockey is being held in Tamil Nadu.

Besides holding Champions Trophy tournaments in 1996 and 2005, Chennai (earlier Madras) has been the venue of several international hockey tournaments starting with the Rene Frank Invitation Hockey Tournament that the then president of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), Dr. MAM Ramaswamy, organized to felicitate the FIH chief, Rene Frank, after India’s maiden World Cup triumph at Kuala Lumpur in March 1975.

Since then, Madras/Chennai has played host to several Asian Hockey Federation events but seldom got to host any FIH event other than the two Champions Trophy events.

Of late, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have had opportunities to host various FIH events, including World Cups (both men's and junior men), Olympic qualifiers, FIH Pro League mini tournaments, and other events.

The holding of the Junior World Cup, which saw the last-minute withdrawal by Pakistan, will feature one of the largest fields of the event—twenty-four—divided into six pools of four teams each. Pakistan has been replaced by Oman in a pool that also features India, Chile, and Switzerland.

 

Article at a Glance
Tamil Nadu is set to make history by hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 in Chennai and Madurai, marking the first-ever World Cup in the state. Known for its deep hockey tradition, Tamil Nadu previously hosted international tournaments like the Champions Trophy (1996, 2005) but rarely FIH events.
The Junior World Cup, featuring 24 teams across six pools, begins on November 28 and concludes on December 10, with Oman replacing Pakistan after its withdrawal. The Trophy Tour, launched by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin and FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram, will travel through 38 districts to promote hockey culture statewide.
The official mascot, ‘Kangeyan’, inspired by the Kangeyam bull, symbolizes Tamil strength, pride, and resilience. With strong collaboration between Hockey India, FIH, and the Tamil Nadu government, the event aims to leave a lasting legacy for Indian hockey.

As the tournament is officially scheduled to begin on November 28, the Tamil Nadu Trophy Tour and the official mascot of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 were launched at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Monday. The tournament is set to be hosted in Chennai and Madurai and will conclude on December 10.

The Trophy Tour was jointly flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Udhayanidhi Stalin and FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram. It will travel through 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, from Kanyakumari to Chennai, between November 10 and 25, celebrating the state’s deep connection with the sport and building excitement among fans and young athletes ahead of the global event.

The launch also witnessed the unveiling of the official tournament mascot, ‘Kangeyan,’ which draws its name and inspiration from the Kangeyam Kaalai, a native breed of bull symbolising strength, pride, and Tamil identity. Native to the Kongu region and revered across Tamil Nadu, the majestic Kangeyam is celebrated for its valour in Jallikkattu, especially in Madurai, where the sport thrived as a cultural emblem.

For generations, Tamil farmers have regarded the Kangeyam as a member of their family, a companion in labour, a guardian of tradition, and a reflection of perseverance. Through ‘Kangeyan,’ Tamil Nadu proudly showcases its deep-rooted heritage, connecting the passion of the sport with the enduring spirit of its people.

Ahead of the event, the tournament organising committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, held a high-level coordination meeting to review the preparations and ensure seamless conduct of the upcoming tournament.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “Tamil Nadu has shown exemplary commitment in hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup. The committee’s detailed review and the launch of the Trophy Tour reflect the state’s enthusiasm and dedication. With the unveiling of ‘Kangeyan,’ a symbol of Tamil pride and resilience, we are confident this edition will leave a lasting legacy for Indian hockey.”

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “The collaboration between Hockey India, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and FIH has been outstanding. From infrastructure development to grassroots engagement through the Trophy Tour, every effort is being made to ensure a world-class experience for teams and fans. The passion and support from the people of Tamil Nadu will make this Junior World Cup truly special.” ( The author : Prabhjot Singh is a senior journalist with long years in The Tribune, Chandigarh. A big name in sports journalism, he is now  based in Taranto and  spends his time between Canada and India)

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