Pakistan refuses to travel to India for Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, seeks neutral venue: Reports

A sports journalist passionate about the moments that go beyond the scoreboard.

Published at :October 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM

Modified at :October 3, 2025 at 9:30 AM

Pakistan National Junior Hockey Team Junior Hockey World Cup

(Courtesy : @PHFOfficial/Twitter)

Pakistan had earlier withdrawn from the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025.

After the senior Pakistan men’s hockey team’s refusal to travel to India for the recently concluded Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, now the Pakistan junior team has reportedly declined to participate in the upcoming FIH Junior Hockey World Cup in India.

The FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 will be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. A total of 24 teams, including Pakistan, are set to assemble at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium for the biennial tournament. Pakistan are in Pool B alongside hosts India, Chile and Switzerland.

According to reports, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has written a formal letter to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) requesting that their fixtures be moved to a neutral venue due to security concerns.

The request comes after tensions during the Cricket Men’s Asia Cup 2025, which ended with controversial moments, including a disputed trophy handover. It also saw both Indian and Pakistani players refusing to engage in traditional gestures of sportsmanship.

Also Read: ‘Match against Pakistan will be interesting’: India coach PR Sreejesh confident ahead of expanded Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025

It all started in late April 2025, when a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir reignited tensions between India and Pakistan. The relationship between the two nations saw its deep-seated political issues spill into the world of sports.

Given that, Pakistan men’s hockey team withdrew from the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup, held in India, citing security concerns. This had already cast doubt over their participation in the upcoming Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025.

And as expected, Pakistan cited the same ongoing the political tensions as reasons for their reluctance to travel to India in November.

The Junior Hockey World Cup, held every two years, offers players under the age of 21, a major international stage to showcase their skills. Sixteen teams will compete for the title, making it one of the most anticipated youth hockey events globally.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan senior men’s team after skipping the 2025 Asia Cup due to is scheduled to play a best-of-three play-off series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on 13, 14, and 16 November 2025. The winner will advance to the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup Qualification Tournaments in 2026.

Nevertheless, the FIH will review Pakistan’s request in the coming weeks, balancing player safety with the tournament schedule.

Why has Pakistan declined to participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 in India?

Pakistan cited security concerns and ongoing political tensions with India as the main reasons for refusing to play on Indian soil.

What did Pakistan request from the International Hockey Federation (FIH)?

The Pakistan Hockey Federation has formally requested that their fixtures be moved to a neutral venue.

When and where will the Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 take place?

The tournament is scheduled for 28 November to 10 December 2025 in Chennai and Madurai, India, with 16 teams competing.

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Uzma Fatima

Uzma Fatima is a passionate sports journalist who believes every match has a story waiting to be told. Whether it's the grace of Olympic champions, the grit of tennis and badminton battles, or the drama of cricket’s highs and heartbreaks — she loves capturing the emotion behind the action. Off the field, she’s a Formula 1 enthusiast who never misses a race weekend.