Pakistan Withdraws from 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup in India, Seeks Neutral Venue

Pakistan has formally withdrawn from the 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup to be hosted in India, escalating tensions between the two nations’ sporting relations. The decision follows recent terror-related incidents and India’s new sports policy restricting bilateral engagements with Pakistan.

Official Confirmation from the International Hockey Federation

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed on Friday that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had officially communicated its decision to withdraw. The event, scheduled between November 28 and December 28 in Chennai and Madurai, will now require a replacement team to fill Pakistan’s slot. The PHF has demanded that future tournaments involving both nations be held at neutral venues.

Backdrop of Political and Security Strains

The withdrawal follows heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. These developments have significantly strained diplomatic and sporting ties, influencing India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to enforce a policy limiting direct competitions between Indian and Pakistani teams.

Second Withdrawal within a Year

This marks Pakistan’s second exit from a major hockey event in India this year. Earlier, the team had pulled out of the Men’s Asia Cup held in Rajgir, Bihar, between August 29 and September 7. Pakistan was initially drawn into Group B for the Junior World Cup, alongside India, Chile, and Switzerland. The absence of one of Asia’s traditional hockey powerhouses is expected to impact the tournament’s competitive balance and viewership.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The 2025 FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup is scheduled in Tamil Nadu, India.
• Pakistan was placed in Group B with India, Chile, and Switzerland before withdrawal.
• This is Pakistan’s second tournament withdrawal from India in 2025.
• India’s sports policy now limits bilateral contests with Pakistan but allows multi-nation participation.

Impact on Future Indo-Pak Sporting Relations

Pakistan’s decision underscores the growing politicisation of sports in South Asia. While the FIH has expressed regret over the development, it maintains that the tournament will proceed as planned. The Indian government, meanwhile, remains firm on its policy stance, signalling a prolonged freeze on direct sporting engagements between the two neighbouring nations.