New Delhi: In a significant move, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially pulled its team out of the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 — scheduled to be held in India from November 28 to December 28.
The decision, confirmed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), comes amid “deteriorating sporting ties” between India and Pakistan, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s introduction of a new policy restricting bilateral sporting contests with Pakistan.
Although Pakistan had originally qualified for the tournament and were placed in Group B alongside India, Chile and Switzerland, the PHF has opted to withdraw, citing concerns about participating on Indian soil.
“We have … urged the FIH to arrange for a neutral venue to allow us to participate and play our matches … as missing out on major events because they are being held in India is hurting our hockey and not helping in the development of our players,” PHF secretary-general Rana Mujahid, speaking from Lahore, told TOI.
He further questioned how Pakistani athletes could be expected to compete in India when Indian athletes themselves are reportedly unwilling to shake hands in other sports—even at neutral venues.
On the Indian side, Hockey India secretary-general Bholanth Singh said he was unaware of the withdrawal. “We have no information from FIH that Pakistan has withdrawn. I had a conversation with Pakistan Hockey Federation officials a month-and-a-half back, and they had confirmed their participation,” Singh told TOI.
He added that Hockey India remains focused on organising the best possible tournament for the host nation and hopes for an Indian title win.
