History of Jr. World Cup: Can Germany continue to succeed?

Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH) introduced Junior World Cup in 1979 after holding senior version successfully four times in the previous eight years.

The then undisputed kings of hockey, Pakistan, faced no serious challenge in winning the inaugural Junior World Cup at Versalles (France), without losing a single encounter.

Having won the senior World Cup only 18 months ago, Pakistan hockey was at its best with the annexation of junior title too.

Australia upset the apple cart of Pakistan two years later in the semifinals of the Kuala Lumpur edition when it thrashed the defending champions 4-1. However, (West) Germany triumphed in the final, repeating the same scoreline against Australia.

Pakistan thereafter entered the semis four times, winning only once, though the ultimate title remained eluded till the date.

Germany is the undoubtedly the champions of Junior World Cup domain in absolute sync with its world’s super power.

Germany won the Cup continuously four times, a record from 1982 to 1993.

In 1997 at Milton Keyness in England, it was left to India, which did not even qualify for for the two previous numbers, to end the German reign.

Led by present Junior India Coach Baljit Singh Saini, India won Germany, which was on its fifth straight title, in the semis 3-2, thus paving way for its first final. However, the Australians had other ideas, and won the title with a single goal margin victory.

Four years later, as India intensified its preparations with participation in many number of age group tournaments, started rather shakily at Hobart, but came out with excellent victories before winning the title 6-1 against Argentina.

Gagan Ajit led the side, last-minute coach duo Rajinder Singh and Surinder Sodhi returned happy. Deepak Thakur was the top score with 10 goals, four coming in the final alone.

It was then its time for Argentina to rule the roost.

Defending champions India was done in in the semis, and then even bronze eluded at Amsterdam, a controversial late decision of umpires to annul a goal.

Argentina, in the finals second time in succession, posted a golden goal to annex their first title.

Singapore and Malaysia jointly hosted the 2009 number.

The format now was dangerous as medal round and preliminary round.

India could not move to medal round, as it lost crucial match to New Zealand, which went on to play the final subsequently. Diwakar Ram, who led the side, could not convert penalty corners in crucial moments.

Germany went on to regain the Junior World Cup in Johor Bahru.

The field for Delhi is now reduced to traditional 16, and it remains to be seen whether Germany continues to hold its sway over the Roger Danet Trophy.