Pakistan will travel to India to compete in the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup 2025, which will be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh confirmed the participation of the Pakistani team.
This announcement comes after Pakistan withdrew from the ongoing Men's Hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, citing security concerns. This withdrawal raised doubts about their participation in the Junior World Cup, especially since India and Pakistan are in Pool B together, along with Chile and Switzerland.
Bhola Nath Singh clarified that he had discussions with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), who assured him that the team would travel to India. According to reports, Singh stated, "Pakistan have agreed to send their junior hockey team to play in the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup 2025".
The Indian government recently updated its sports policy regarding engagements with Pakistan. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) clarified that Indian athletes and teams can participate in international events where Pakistan is also present. However, India will continue to avoid bilateral matches in Pakistan. Visa procedures for sportspersons, team officials, and international sports governing body members have been simplified for up to five years.
Tensions between the two nations have been high, particularly after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. Despite these strained relations, Hockey India had previously expressed confidence that Pakistan would participate in the Junior World Cup.
The Hockey India official also made it clear that if Pakistan is in India's pool in the FIH Pro League, India will play against them. Pakistan has replaced New Zealand in the 2025-26 FIH Pro League.
Indian hockey legend Aslam Sher Khan commented on Pakistan's Asia Cup absence, stating that they "should have participated" and that India is "a very good nation with regards to sports and culture" with "nothing to be afraid of".
