Pakistan has officially withdrawn its men's hockey team from the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup, scheduled to take place in India from November 28 to December 10, 2025. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) of its decision, citing the prevailing circumstances and heightened tensions between the two nations.
The PHF proposed the option of playing its matches at a neutral venue but ultimately deemed it inappropriate to travel to India given the current climate. According to a top PHF official, the decision was made after consulting with the Pakistan government and the Pakistan Sports Board, who advised against sending the team due to significant security risks.
This withdrawal comes in the wake of increased tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, particularly following a four-day armed conflict in May. This conflict was triggered by a terrorist attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), an area of contention between the two countries. India accused Pakistan of backing the attack, which further strained relations.
Pakistan was placed in Group B of the Junior World Cup alongside India, Chile, and Switzerland. The FIH will now decide on a substitute team to take Pakistan's place in the tournament.
This is not the first time that political tensions have affected sporting events between India and Pakistan. The PHF also withdrew from the Asia Cup 2025, citing security concerns. Previously, a controversy arose when India decided against allowing its team to cross the border for the Champions Trophy, a move that Pakistan criticized as politicization of sports. In the past, the two countries have agreed to a "fusion formula" where India participated in a mega-tournament at a neutral venue instead of in Pakistan. Pakistan was also forced to host the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2023 on a hybrid model, with India's matches and the final hosted in Sri Lanka. Despite these instances, the Pakistan team did participate in the 2023 ICC World Cup held in India.
The Junior World Cup is scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai. This marks the first time India has hosted the tournament since 2021. Twenty-four teams are set to compete for the title in this edition. Germany is the most successful team in the Junior Men's Hockey World Cup, with seven titles. They are also the defending champions, having won against France in the 2023 final. India finished fourth in the 2023 edition after losing to Spain.
The FIH has acknowledged the PHF's decision and will soon announce the team that will replace Pakistan in the tournament.
