Pakistan has withdrawn from the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup scheduled in India from November 28 to December 28, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed. The decision leaves a vacancy that will be filled by another team, which the FIH said will be announced soon.
FIH Confirms Withdrawal
In a statement to PTI, the FIH said the Pakistan Hockey Federation notified them that its team, which had initially qualified for the tournament in Chennai and Madurai, will not participate. The federation did not provide a detailed reason for the withdrawal. Pakistan’s absence means the tournament organizers will now select a replacement team to maintain the competition’s structure and schedule.
Pakistan’s History in Junior Hockey
Pakistan previously featured in the 2021 edition of the Junior Hockey World Cup held in Bhubaneswar, finishing 11th. The nation has historically been a strong contender in junior hockey, producing several players who have gone on to represent the senior national team. Their withdrawal is a significant development in the lead-up to the 2025 tournament.
Tense Sporting Ties with India
Relations between the two countries have remained tense since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, followed by India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. These geopolitical tensions appear to have affected sporting interactions as well, including hockey events. The FIH has maintained that the replacement team will be announced promptly to ensure smooth preparation for the event.
The Junior Hockey World Cup will bring together the world’s best junior teams, and organizers remain focused on delivering a competitive and safe tournament despite Pakistan’s withdrawal.
Discussion about this post