In yet another fallout from the worsening political climate between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially decided not to send its team to the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in India.
Confirming the development, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid stated that the decision was made after careful consideration of the current situation. He added that the federation had formally notified the International Hockey Federation (FIH) of Pakistan’s withdrawal.
“It is by no means appropriate to travel to India and play under the current situation,” Mujahid said, adding that the PHF had proposed the alternative of playing matches at a neutral venue. If no alternative is provided, Pakistan will have to sit out the tournament entirely.
The move was widely anticipated and aligns with PHF’s earlier stance amid rising sporting tensions between the two neighboring countries this year. This isn’t the first time political issues have disrupted hockey ties in 2025 — Pakistan also withdrew from the Asia Cup in India back in August, citing security concerns.
Although Pakistan and India recently faced off in the Sultan of Johor Cup, the Junior Hockey World Cup seems to be a bridge too far. Pakistan had already been included in the official schedule, and the latest developments will be closely monitored.
With PHF’s withdrawal, Pakistan’s absence from the Junior Hockey World Cup highlights how geopolitical tensions continue to overshadow sports diplomacy between the two neighbors, once again leaving athletes and fans caught in the crossfire of politics.
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