Lucknow to host Hockey Junior World Cup Men tourney

The Hockey Junior World Cup Men is scheduled to take place from December 8 till December 18, in Lucknow, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Thursday confirmed.

The pool stages will take place between 8-12 December, before the classification matches begin on 14.

The medal matches will then be held on Sunday 18 December 2016, with the bronze medal match at 16:45 (IST) and the final taking place at 19:00 (IST).

The Indian Junior squad is in Pool D slotted with England, South Africa and Canada.

The Indian squad would open their campaign against Canada on December 8 immediately after the opening ceremony.

India will then face off against England and South Africa in their second and third pool matches on December 10 and December 12, respectively.

However, India's biggest challenge will come from defending champions Germany, perennial contenders Australia and dark horses Argentina.

With a total of only one rest day on Tuesday 13 December 2016 for the tournament, fans will be treated to 10 days of high-speed, action packed hockey at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium Lucknow as the world's rising stars battle it out to in what will be one of the most competitive hockey events of the year.

A hotbed of hockey, Lucknow's sports fans turned out in force to cheer on the Uttar Pradesh Wizards during the Coal India Hockey India League earlier this year. They will no doubt be looking forward to cheering on the world's best prospects who will take to the field in their home city.