Overview
- The draw ceremony at FIH headquarters in Lausanne was led by president Tayyab Ikram, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh and director general R K Srivastava
- This edition will feature 24 national teams for the first time, expanding the tournament’s reach across established and emerging hockey nations
- Pool A includes defending champions Germany alongside South Africa, Canada and Ireland, while Pool C features Argentina, New Zealand, Japan and China
- Pools D, E and F group Spain, Belgium, Egypt and Namibia; Netherlands, Malaysia, England and Austria; and France, Australia, South Korea and Bangladesh respectively
- Organizers are now finalizing logistics and facility work in Chennai as they advance plans for a cutting-edge stadium in Madurai ahead of the November 28–December 10 tournament