Pakistan pulls out of Jr Hockey WC

In a fresh setback to Indo-Pak sporting ties, Pakistan has withdrawn from the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10, citing political and security tensions between the two neighbours.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed the development on Friday, stating that Pakistan’s withdrawal has been formally communicated by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). The governing body added that a replacement team will be announced soon to fill the vacant slot in Group B, which initially featured India, Pakistan, Chile, and Switzerland.

“We can confirm that the Pakistan Hockey Federation has notified the FIH that its team won’t participate in the upcoming Junior World Cup. The team replacing Pakistan will be announced soon,” the FIH said in its statement.

This marks Pakistan’s second withdrawal from an Indian-hosted tournament this year, following its absence from the Men’s Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar (August 29–September 7). The move comes against the backdrop of strained diplomatic and sporting relations since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.

The Indian government, citing security concerns, has already adopted a new policy halting bilateral sporting engagements with Pakistan, though participation against them in multi-nation events will continue.

During the recent Asia Cup, tensions were visibly high when India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart, reflecting the growing hostility between the two camps.

Hockey India ‘unaware’ of Withdrawal

While the FIH confirmed Pakistan’s pullout, Hockey India officials claimed ignorance of any such communication.

“We have received no official intimation from FIH. The last time we spoke to PHF officials, they had confirmed participation,” said Bholanth Singh, Hockey India’s secretary general.

“Our responsibility is to host a world-class event, and we are focused on ensuring India lifts the trophy. It’s now up to FIH to name a replacement.”

Pakistan seeks neutral venue

Meanwhile, the PHF has requested the FIH to consider a neutral venue, expressing disappointment over missing out on a major global event.

“We’ve told the FIH that our players are suffering due to politics. We’re ready to play at a neutral venue,” said Rana Mujahid, PHF secretary general and former Olympian, in Lahore.

“Given the current environment, it’s impossible for us to send a team to India.”

The FIH, however, maintained that all hosting rights were awarded well before the diplomatic rift and ruled out any last-minute venue changes.

As the countdown to the tournament begins, Pakistan’s absence adds yet another layer of complexity to an already politically charged sporting calendar between the two arch-rivals.