CHENNAI: As Tamil Nadu gears up to host the 14th Men's Junior Hockey World Cup, Chief Minister MK Stalin, on Wednesday, unveiled the trophy for the tournament. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports Development Udhayanidhi Stalin was present at the event.

The event would be jointly hosted by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) and Hockey India from November 28 to December 10. The matches will be held among 24 teams at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai and the Sports Development Authority Hockey Stadium in Madurai. The state government has sanctioned Rs 44.36 crore to conduct the event.

"Tamil Nadu has been emerging as a leading state in sports, thanks to the state government's continued efforts under the Chief Minister's leadership. The government has implemented several significant initiatives to elevate Tamil Nadu's presence in national and international sporting arenas, including world-class training for athletes, enhanced sports infrastructure, and substantial incentives to nurture talent," a government release read.

The release added that over the past four years, Tamil Nadu has developed international-standard sports facilities and successfully hosted major global tournaments such as the Chess Olympiad, Squash World Cup, Asian Men's Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament, and the WTA Chennai Open Women's Tennis Tournament, marking Tamil Nadu as a vibrant hub for international sports.

"Hosting this world tournament in Tamil Nadu is expected to boost youth interest in hockey across the state greatly. Moreover, with international teams and visitors arriving from across the globe, the event will provide them an opportunity to experience Tamil Nadu's rich culture, hospitality, and passion for sports, especially in the host cities of Chennai and Madurai," it added.