Pakistan likely to withdraw from Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 in India: Report

Pakistan Hockey Federation denied traveling to India for the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025.

After skipping the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is now reportedly set to withdraw from the upcoming FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in Chennai, India, this December.

PHF President Tariq Bugti commented on the matter in an interview with a Pakistani outlet, citing ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.

“The Pakistan junior hockey team will not feature in the Hockey World Cup. In the current situation, we cannot travel to India,” Bugti said, as quoted by India Today.

Pakistan had earlier declined invitation to participate in the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, where they were asked to step in as a replacement for New Zealand.

Following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, the PHF cited security concerns and opted out of the event, which eventually saw Bangladesh taking their place.

Now, with the tensions still active, the PHF has indicated that it will likely take the same decision regarding the Junior World Cup.

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“Considering the tensions we’re having with India, it was totally impossible for us to go for the Asia Cup. It was a war-like situation on both sides,” Bugti said in another media interaction.

“So, in the current scenario, we can’t travel to India now or in the future. The situation is the same. And if the Indian cricket team can’t come here, then even the Pakistan hockey team won’t go to India.”

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, when asked about the situation, told India Today that the news of Pakistan’s possible withdrawal was also received through media reports.

“We also came to know from the papers. Last time too, the Indian government had cleared their participation, but they withdrew citing security reasons,” Tirkey said.

Hockey India Secretary Bholanath Singh has also confirmed that preparations for the Junior World Cup are in their final stages and Pakistan’s participation remains uncertain at this point.

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