Germany and Pakistan dominated what one can categorize the first phase history of 4-decade old Junior World Cup before India and Argentina came with vengeance to change the course to present power equation.

Paul Lissek, who nowadays is mentor of Chinese men’s team, is the most successful coach,and how is the narrative here.

French Hockey Federation, which donated winner’s trophy, has been given the task of organizing first Junior World Cup, which came to the FIH calendar after it successfully hosted four editions of Senior World Cup.

Junior World Cup, this way, is eight years younger to World Cup proper, but it created enough buzz in the world hockey and helped hockey regenerated at base level.

First edition, held for the winner’s take away of Rojer Danet Trophy, named after the former president of Racing Club de France, the venue of the first Junior World Cup finals, was a hit.

Five teams from Europe, two from Asia-Ocenia, two from Pan America and a solitary representation from Africa, took part. The matches were played on three grass grounds in Varsailles, near to Paris.

Singapore, Malaysia, India and Pakistan made it to the maiden event, as Australia , which would make it the finals in the next edition, withdrew.

On 2nd September, Pakistan led by Manzoor Hussein annexed the first Junior World Cup, defeating Germany (which overwhelmed Holland 3-1 in the semis) 2-0.

Pakistan struck a goal in each half, and withstood a stoke from German for their hour of joy. The mere fact that the Pak forwards struck their first goal in sixth seconds of bulley off is proof how dominating they were in the final.

Malaysia, which surprised everyone before reaching the semis in Paris, came forward to host the next edition in Kuala Lumpur.

Belgium withdrew in the last minute, leaving Pool A a team less.

With wins over Spain, New Zealand and drawing formidable Pakistan 2-2, Malaysia again was in the semis only to fall 2-4 before determined Germany. And then Pakistan gave went to its semi-final defeat to Australia, heaping ten unanswered goals on the hosts to win bronze.

Qasim Zia, who later became the president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, led Pakistan to defend the title, but the script went awry.

Germany, trained by Paul Lissek, proved too strong for Australia on August 28th in Ipoh. Germany clinched first of its many Jr crown in the Asian hotbed.

After Europe and Asia, like the senior edition, its now the turn of Pan America to host the third edition.

Germany again proved nemesis for Pak, but now in the semis. Shahid Ali Khan’s Pakistan, whose seniors won the LA Olympic Gold, stumbled before the Paul Lissek’s boys (2-4).

Germany won its second Junior crown at Vancouver.

Fourth edition returned to Asia, now to the home state of Sultan Azlan Shah, Ipoh. Just a remake of Kuala Lumpur edition, its Germany and Australia final on 19th August.

When the world cup returned to Europe, now to Spain, the question that lurked in everybody’s mind was whether Germany’s gold run could be stopped.

It was not to be. Germany won its fourth consecutive Junior World Cup in Terrassa in September 1993.
Pakistan by then regained its strength and got past the semifinal hurdle, a goal separating it from losers Holland in seven.

After Terrassa, the power equation changed. India, which missed previous two numbers losing out in the Junior Asia Cup (qualifying event for JR WC), came with a vengeance. With a phoenix like rise Argentina added further spice.

Thereafter new names, new nations took centre-stage and will form part II.