NE SPORTS BUREAU
CHENNAI, NOV 27
In an inspiring moment for world hockey, the Swiss U21 National Hockey Team was felicitated in Chennai by the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce ahead of their historic debut at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025. This marks the first time Switzerland has ever qualified for a Junior Hockey World Cup, making their arrival one of the most uplifting storylines of the tournament.
The team, fondly called the “Helvetic Boys”, landed in India on November 25 and will play their first match on November 28. Drawn in a challenging group with hockey powerhouses India and Pakistan, and fellow underdog Chile, the Swiss squad is embracing the underdog spirit with confidence, discipline and heart.
- Swiss U21 hockey stars honoured ahead of their first-ever Junior World Cup campaign
- Felicitated by Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce; event strengthens Indo–Swiss sporting ties
- Young squad carries the pride of a nation into clashes with India, Pakistan & Chile
Wednesday’s felicitation offered the players a memorable cultural immersion in India — the spiritual home of hockey, an eight-time Olympic gold medallist and a nation where the sport carries deep emotional resonance. The young athletes from Zurich, Geneva and Lucerne interacted with students, sports lovers and the Indo–Swiss community, adding warmth and human connection to their competitive journey.
Satish Rao, President of the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce, lauded the team’s achievement, saying: “This milestone is about much more than sport. For Switzerland to compete on Indian soil — where hockey has a storied and emotional legacy — is truly special. These young athletes embody determination and aspiration, and we are honoured to celebrate their achievement while strengthening Indo–Swiss ties.”
The felicitation reflects the Chamber’s growing commitment to cultural, youth and sports diplomacy, expanding Indo–Swiss cooperation beyond business. In recent weeks, the Chamber supported the debut of Swiss wines at ProWine Mumbai and hosted the 3rd Indo–Swiss Golf Tournament, reinforcing the broadening canvas of bilateral engagements.
These efforts also align with the momentum following the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which is opening new opportunities in sport, education, innovation, tourism and cultural exchange.
As the Swiss U21 squad prepares for their World Cup opener in Chennai, today’s celebration not only honoured their breakthrough qualification but also highlighted the growing spirit of friendship between India and Switzerland — a bond strengthened through sport, culture and shared aspiration.
