(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan to Skip Junior Hockey World Cup in India
Pakistan will not be sending its junior hockey team to the upcoming FIH Hockey Junior World Cup in India, PHF President Tariq Hussain Bugti confirmed on Tuesday.
Officials cited rising political tensions between the two countries as the main reason behind the decision. The tournament is scheduled from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai. Pakistan’s absence was anticipated after the federation also opted out of the ongoing Asia Cup in Rajgir.
Bugti stated in Lahore that while the decision is disappointing for the nation’s hockey prospects, the political situation left little choice. “With a war‑like situation between Pakistan and India, there is no possibility of sending our team across the border,” he said. He added that Pakistan has informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and will now aim to qualify for the senior World Cup through alternate qualifying rounds.
Pakistan, winners of the inaugural Hockey Junior World Cup, had been placed in Group B alongside India, Chile, and Switzerland. The Indian hosts had raised no objections to Pakistan’s participation, but the government, which has the final say, did not consider India a viable host in the current political climate.
This marks only the third time Pakistan will miss a Junior World Cup, having previously sat out the 2016 edition and failing to qualify in 2001.
Despite the setback, the Pakistan Hockey Federation remains optimistic that upcoming Pro League matches will help the team maintain its competitiveness and stay connected with the world’s top hockey teams.
