(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Hockey Federation Urges Neutral Venue for Junior World Cup Matches
The ongoing sporting tensions between Pakistan and India may cast a shadow over the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in India later this year.
PHF Raises Security Concerns
According to media reports, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally requested the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to shift Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue. In a detailed letter, the PHF highlighted serious security concerns for Pakistani players and stressed the need for ensuring their safety and well-being during the high-profile event.
Tournament Details
The Junior Hockey World Cup is set to begin on November 28, 2025, in India. However, PHF officials in Lahore believe the political climate and security situation make it unsafe for the national junior squad to travel to India.
Sporting Tensions Continue
Pakistan and India’s sports relations have been strained throughout 2025, with tensions most visible during the Cricket Asia Cup. Earlier this year, Pakistan also withdrew from the Hockey Asia Cup, which cost the team a direct qualification spot for the Hockey World Cup 2026.
Despite these issues, Pakistan was still included in the official schedule of the Junior World Cup. However, the PHF has made it clear that participation depends on the FIH addressing their concerns.
What’s Next?
The decision now rests with the International Hockey Federation, which must balance Pakistan’s security concerns with the logistical challenges of hosting one of the sport’s biggest youth tournaments. While FIH has previously shown flexibility, it remains to be seen if part of the competition will indeed be shifted to a neutral venue.
