Pakistan has pulled out of the Junior Hockey World Cup, set to be held in Chennai and Madurai, India, from November 28 to December 28, 2025. Earlier this year, the country also skipped the Asia Cup men’s hockey tournament, which took place in India.
Both withdrawals follow heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir. In response to the attack, India cut off bilateral ties, including sports exchanges, and Pakistan later mirrored this step.
Replacement Plans for Pakistan
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed that a replacement team will be announced soon to ensure the 24-team global tournament proceeds smoothly. Pakistan cited safety concerns and the current political climate as reasons for backing out.
In the Asia Cup held earlier in Rajgir, Bihar, Bangladesh replaced Pakistan in the competition. However, the FIH is yet to finalize a replacement for the Junior Hockey World Cup.
India’s Official Stand
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said, “While Pakistan won’t be playing the waiting game for them, the welcome door will always be open.” India continues to allow its teams to participate in multi-nation tournaments, including those hosted by Pakistan.
The Indian government maintains that national teams should participate in international events without travelling to Pakistan for bilateral competitions. For instance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent the national cricket team to the Asia Cup T20 tournament in the UAE, where India emerged victorious. The cricket team, however, avoided shaking hands with Pakistan’s players and did not take the winner’s trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s federal minister and ACC official.
Impact on the Tournament
Pakistan’s withdrawal creates uncertainty for the Junior Hockey World Cup schedule, but organizers are confident a replacement will maintain the tournament’s competitive integrity. The absence of a major team like Pakistan could change group dynamics and give other nations a chance to shine on the international stage.
Politics in Sports?
This is not the first time geopolitical tensions have affected sporting events in South Asia. The repeated withdrawal of Pakistan from tournaments in India highlights how politics can influence sports scheduling and participation.
Experts note that this could also affect future India-Pakistan sports diplomacy, with both nations likely to reassess participation strategies in major tournaments.
What Fans Can Expect?
Hockey fans in India can still look forward to a full-scale Junior World Cup, featuring 24 teams from around the globe. Organizers are working to finalize Pakistan’s replacement quickly to ensure a smooth tournament.
Meanwhile, India continues to focus on maintaining safety, hosting top international teams, and providing a platform for young hockey talent.
