Pakistan pulls out of Junior Hockey World Cup in India

By Harshit - Oct 24, 2025 06:24 PM
Last updated on Oct 24, 2025 06:24 PM

Pakistan has officially withdrawn its team from the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed on October 24, 2025. The tournament, scheduled to run from November 28 to December 10 across Chennai and Madurai, will now proceed without one of hockey’s traditional powers while FIH works to name a replacement team.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) told FIH it would not send the junior side to India amid growing diplomatic and security concerns. PHF officials have also asked the global body to explore a neutral-venue option so their players do not miss out on an important development opportunity — but for now the FIH says a replacement team will be announced soon.

News of Pakistan’s withdrawal adds to a tense sporting calendar between the two neighbours — Pakistan had earlier skipped other India-hosted events this year — and casts a shadow over what had promised to be a competitive junior World Cup. Hockey India says it has not received an official communication directly from FIH about the change in participants and is awaiting further details.

What the FIH said and next steps

The International Hockey Federation issued a concise statement confirming receipt of Pakistan’s notification and confirming that it will announce the team replacing Pakistan “soon.” Organisers and tournament planners are now working through scheduling and logistical adjustments ahead of the late-November start.

With Group B originally containing India, Pakistan, Chile and Switzerland, the draw will need an update once FIH finalises the replacement. Organisers face the practical challenge of slotting a substitute team into an already published schedule while ensuring competitive balance and travel-clearance timelines are met.

PHF’s stance: neutral venue plea and security concerns

Officials from the Pakistan Hockey Federation say the decision was taken after consultations with the government and national sports authorities, who advised against sending the team to India amid current tensions. PHF has urged FIH to consider staging Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue so the young players’ development isn’t curtailed by geopolitics.

PHF secretary-general Rana Mujahid has been quoted saying that missing major events because they are held in India is harming Pakistan hockey’s progress. The federation argues that a neutral-site compromise would allow the team to compete while addressing safety and diplomatic sensitivities.

India’s organisers respond

Hockey India said it had not been formally informed by FIH at the time of initial reports and stressed its focus remains on hosting a successful tournament. HI officials emphasized readiness to accommodate any changes the FIH requires and reiterated that the hosts’ priority is to stage a safe, well-run event across Chennai and Madurai.

Local organisers are also working closely with state and national authorities to finalise match logistics, spectator arrangements and broadcasting plans — all of which will need to be updated as soon as FIH confirms the replacement team and any schedule tweaks.

Wider sporting and diplomatic context

Pakistan’s withdrawal follows a pattern this year of avoiding sports events held in India amid deteriorating bilateral ties after incidents earlier in 2025. Governments on both sides have taken steps that have affected cultural and sporting exchanges, prompting sporting federations to evaluate safety and diplomatic protocols before confirming participation.

While bilateral contests have been curtailed, both countries still face each other regularly in multi-nation events. The Junior World Cup episode underscores how geopolitical developments can ripple into youth sport, affecting preparation cycles, exposure for emerging players, and the competitive texture of global tournaments.

Who could replace Pakistan and immediate impact

FIH will likely follow its tournament contingency procedures to select a replacement — options include the next-best qualifier from the relevant continental pathway or a wild-card invite based on ranking and availability. Replacing a team at short notice presents sporting and administrative challenges, but FIH has dealt with similar scenarios in past cycles.

The incoming team will inherit Pakistan’s slot in Group B, meaning they will face India, Chile and Switzerland. While the late entrant may struggle with preparation time, their inclusion ensures the tournament keeps its format intact and that group fixtures remain balanced for broadcast and competitive fairness.

Quick facts

Tournament: FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 (Chennai & Madurai)
Dates: November 28 – December 10, 2025
Pakistan: Withdrawn; replacement team to be announced by FIH.
Group B (as published): India, Pakistan (withdrawn), Chile, Switzerland.

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