As Chile gear up for the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, captain Felipe Richards believes his young squad is ready to push boundaries, challenge expectations, and chase a historic finish on the world stage.

Eyes on a first-ever group-stage breakthrough

With a recent reshuffle in their group, with Oman replacing Pakistan in Pool B, Richards sees a renewed opening for Chile to make history.

“Our expectation is to see if we can fight for second place in the group,” he explains. “Winning two matches in the first phase is something Chile has never achieved before. If we manage that, we can keep progressing step by step. The competition is much tougher this time, but it’s a chance for us to keep growing with every match.”

For a team still carving its identity in world hockey, the ambition is clear: break new ground and compete among the top 12 nations for the first time.

Adapting to global pace the key priority

Richards acknowledges the major challenge his squad faces: matching the rhythm and speed of international hockey.

“Being a young team, our biggest hurdle is adapting to this global tempo. It’s very different from what we experienced at the Pan American tournament or in Paraguay,” he says. “But even when we face higher-ranked teams, whenever we step onto the pitch, we manage to deliver strong performances. That gives us confidence.”

For Chile, bridging this gap will be central to making their Junior World Cup campaign a memorable one.

Facing hosts India drives excitement and motivation

Placed in a group with India, Switzerland, and Oman, Chile are preparing for contrasting styles and pressures.

“We have very strong opponents, especially India as the hosts,” Richards notes. “It’s a completely different culture, and playing in a full stadium will be incredibly exciting.”

But Chile also see a genuine opportunity against the other group contenders.

“Switzerland and Oman are closer to our level and ranking. Those matches give us a real chance to earn points and reach the second round. That would be historic for us, and we hope to achieve it this time.”

A call to fans back home

Despite the spotlight on the senior World Cup in Santiago, Richards hopes Chilean fans will follow and support the junior team as well.

“I hope you will support us! I know the World Cup is happening in Chile too, but we’ll be giving everything out there,” he says. “You can watch all our games live and we’ll be really happy to have you following our matches.”

With ambition, humility, and a drive to create history, Chile enter Tamil Nadu 2025 as a team ready to surprise—and a captain leading with belief.