The tournament begins in Lucknow tomorrow and concludes on December 18, with the host nation among the favourites for the title at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium.

Preparations for the event have been overshadowed, however, by an escalating row between the two Asian powerhouses after the Pakistan side were thrown out of the competition for failing to meet the official deadline for submitting the travel documents of its players.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) placed the blame squarely at their Indian counterparts, while claiming the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) decision was "pre-planned".

The choice to officially withdraw Pakistan’s invitation to the event followed considerable discussions with the PHF and requests for confirmation that they had the necessary arrangements in place to be able to participate in the event, according to the FIH.

PHF secretary Shehbaz Ahmed holds India responsible for the debacle, which saw the Malaysian team take their place.

Sreejesh, who is due to act as a goalkeeping mentor to the Indian team at the Junior World Cup, insists the issue has been blown out of proportion and that there are no problems between the players on the pitch.

This comes despite an ongoing row between the nations after Pakistan upset their Indian opponents with overly-wild celebrations after earning victory over the hosts at the 2014 Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar.

"Before the tournament it's always different," Sreejesh told the Deccan Herald.

"We would always share a smile [even before the match], but after the game it's much lighter.

"We meet at the dining table, and share a coffee together.

"Obviously they are representing their country, and are there to win the match.

"But the issues happening outside the field gives a different picture of the game."

India have been drawn to face England, Canada and South Africa in Pool D as they seek to win their first Junior World Cup crown in 15 years.

Germany, bidding for a third consecutive title, will go up against Spain, New Zealand and Japan in Pool C.

Australia, Argentina, South Korea and Austria make up Pool A, while Pool D is comprised of The Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia and Egypt.

"Lucknow is known for the legends it has produced in world hockey and I am extremely happy with the preparations," FIH President Narinder Batra, elected to replace Leandro Negre at the body’s Congress in Dubai last month, said.

"This is beyond expectations and I would like to thank the Government of Uttar Pradesh for their full support.

"The event will definitely help put Lucknow city on the world map."

The event begins with matches in Pools C and D tomorrow as India take on Canada, which comes after England play South Africa.

The opening contest sees New Zealand clash with Japan before defending champions Germany entertain Spain.