New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS): The Junior Hockey World Cup which opens Friday at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here will unveil the finest young players from 16 teams.
The qualification process which started two years ago has finally culminated. Six teams -- Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, England and Spain -- qualified through the European Cup. Malaysia, Pakistan, India and South Korea progressed through the Asian Cup while two teams qualified from the other continental competitions in Africa (South Africa and Egypt), Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) and America (Argentina and Canada).
Defending champions Germany are the most successful team at the junior level, having won the tournament five times in nine appearances, only finishing once off the podium. They enter the competition ranked No.1 and will face Belgium, Egypt and Pakistan in Pool A.
Belgium so far has had very modest results in World Cup appearances, unable to finish higher than 11th while Pakistan will be a force to reckon with.
The Asian country have traditionally had good results having won the event once and collecting four more podium finishes. Even though their last medal was 20 years ago, they have been regular medal contenders. Pakistan will be led by Umar Bhutta, who at 20-years-old, has more than 80 senior caps to his name and represented his country at the 2012 London Olympics.
Oceania and American champions Australia and Argentina, respectively, will face each other in Pool B, with France and Spain. Last edition's bronze winners Australia are coached by Olympic medallist Paul Gaudoin and will count on prowess of penalty-corner specialist Cameron Joyce.
Argentina are eager to emulate the 2005 generation that conquered the title while France, having only participated thrice earlier, will look to make a mark this time around.
The Netherlands are the highest-ranked team in Pool C and will face home team India, Korea and Canada. Despite nine participations, the Netherlands have never won the competition, having only managed to finish runners-up twice, including last time in 2009.
India will be one of the favourites playing on home ground. The current group has an abundance of experience with midfielders Kothajit Singh and captain Manpreet Singh, both being central figures on the senior side.
The 2001 champions is coached by former South African star Gregg Clark and have fixed their sights firmly on the title and will be cheered by the fans every step of the way.
Asian Champions Malaysia are in Pool D with England, New Zealand and South Africa. Malaysia will hope that this will be the year when they finally step on the podium after participating eight times previously.
New Zealand finished just outside the medals in 2009 and are determined to climb on to the podium while England are another team without a medal to show in their many appearances at the World Cup.
England have assembled a strong group with some senior internationals and could surprise everyone in the tournament.