Junior Hockey World Cup: Pakistan withdraw from mega event in India

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed that Pakistan has withdrawn from the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India later this year. The tournament, set to run from November 28 to December 28 in Chennai and Madurai, will now proceed without one of hockey’s traditional giants.

In an official statement, the FIH said, “We can confirm that the Pakistan Hockey Federation has informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that its team, which had qualified for the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, will not be participating.” The federation added that Pakistan’s replacement team will be announced shortly.

Also Read: India to host 2025 FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup

Pakistan had earned qualification for the event earlier this year, but uncertainty had lingered over their participation due to escalating political and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. Relations between the two nations further deteriorated after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor, leading to a suspension of most bilateral sporting engagements.

The 2025 Junior World Cup will mark India’s first time hosting the tournament since 2021 and is expected to feature top youth teams from across the globe. However, Pakistan’s withdrawal has dealt a blow to the competition, given the country’s illustrious hockey history and its iconic rivalry with India on the world stage.