Pakistan Withdraw from FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 in India

New Delhi, 24 October — The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially confirmed that it will not participate in the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, set to be held in Chennai and Madurai, India, from 28 November to 28 December 2025. The announcement was made by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in an official statement released on Friday.

Official Confirmation

In a note shared with the Press Trust of India (PTI), the FIH stated:

“We can confirm that the Pakistan Hockey Federation has notified the International Hockey Federation that its team, which had qualified for the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, will not participate eventually.”

The FIH further added that a replacement team for Pakistan will be announced shortly.

Historical Context and Past Performance

Pakistan’s withdrawal marks a significant setback for the sport, given its storied hockey heritage. The country has been one of hockey’s traditional powerhouses, having won the Men’s Junior World Cup once (in 1979) and reaching multiple semi-finals in the decades that followed.

In the previous edition of the Junior World Cup, held in Bhubaneswar in 2021, Pakistan finished 11th, failing to make an impact despite promising performances in the group stage. Their absence this time will reduce the number of Asian representatives and deprive young Pakistani players of crucial international exposure.

Political and Diplomatic Tensions

Pakistan’s decision to pull out comes amid continued diplomatic and security tensions between the two neighbouring nations. Relations have been strained since the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April, which prompted India’s military response under Operation Sindoor.

The worsening political climate has once again spilled into the sporting arena, with bilateral competitions between India and Pakistan remaining frozen for years. Apart from cricket, where the two sides now meet only in global tournaments, hockey, kabaddi, and squash have also seen curtailed engagements.

Sports historians note that political friction between India and Pakistan has repeatedly disrupted cross-border tournaments. Similar incidents occurred in 2016, when Pakistan’s participation in the Hockey Junior World Cup in Lucknow was also jeopardised due to visa and security concerns—though it was later resolved at the time.

Broader Implications for Hockey

Pakistan’s withdrawal is likely to alter the tournament structure and group allocations, forcing the FIH to adjust fixtures. The decision also raises concerns about the future of Pakistan’s junior hockey development, as missing major tournaments can severely hinder young players’ international progression.

Former Indian captain Dhanraj Pillay commented to the media that “political issues should never eclipse the spirit of sport,” emphasising the importance of keeping the field of play separate from matters of state.

The 2025 Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu was expected to be one of the largest editions in recent years, with 16 nations competing across two venues. Hockey India had described the event as “a celebration of youth, skill, and sportsmanship,” and remains hopeful that the tournament will proceed smoothly despite Pakistan’s exit.

Summary

Pakistan’s decision to withdraw from the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 underlines the enduring tension between New Delhi and Islamabad, once again showing how politics can overshadow international sport.

While the International Hockey Federation will soon announce a replacement team, the absence of Pakistan — a nation with deep hockey roots — will undoubtedly be felt.

Pakistan’s absence will leave a notable void in a tournament that has long thrived on traditional rivalries, especially the one between India and Pakistan, which has shaped the very history of world hockey.