Swiss U21 Hockey Team Felicitated in Chennai Ahead of Historic World Cup Debut

Chennai, 26 November 2025 — The Swiss U21 National Hockey Team was honoured in Chennai by the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce as they prepare for their first-ever appearance at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 — a landmark moment in Swiss sporting history.

Arriving in India on 25 November, the “Helvetic Boys” begin their campaign on 28 November, facing India, Pakistan and fellow underdog Chile. Their qualification has become one of the most inspiring storylines of this year’s tournament.

The felicitation offered the young players a warm cultural welcome to India, the spiritual home of hockey. Players from regions like Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne engaged with students, fans and the Indo-Swiss community, strengthening people-to-people ties.

Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce President Satish Rao said: “This milestone is about much more than sport. Competing on Indian soil, where hockey holds deep emotion and history, is truly special. These young athletes exemplify determination, and we are proud to celebrate their achievement.”

The event reflects the Chamber’s growing focus on Indo-Swiss collaboration across culture, sport, youth engagement and lifestyle. Recent initiatives include supporting Swiss wines at ProWine Mumbai and hosting the 3rd Indo-Swiss Golf Tournament, adding to the expanding cultural links between both nations.

Aligned with the momentum of the India–EFTA TEPA agreement, today’s felicitation highlighted both Switzerland’s breakthrough qualification and the deepening friendship between India and Switzerland as the U21 team readies for its World Cup debut.

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