Pakistan has officially withdrawn from the Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025, scheduled in India from 28 November to 28 December. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed the withdrawal and said a replacement team will be announced soon. The decision comes amid rising India-Pakistan sports tensions following the Asia Cup cricket handshake controversy. Pakistan was in Group B with India, Chile, and Switzerland, and its exit leaves a spot to be filled. This is Pakistan’s second major sports withdrawal this year.
Pakistan Hockey Federation informs the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that its team will not be travelling to India to participate in the upcoming Men’s Junior World Cup, on the advice of its government.
Men’s Junior World Cup is set to take place in Tamil Nadu in… pic.twitter.com/4l8F70GXkj
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Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025
The FIH stated that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially notified them that their team, originally qualified for the Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025, will not participate. Pakistan was in Group B with India, Chile, and Switzerland. The FIH confirmed that a replacement team will be named shortly. This decision comes as a major setback for the tournament and reflects the continuing strain in India-Pakistan sporting relations.
Asia Cup Handshake Sparks Withdrawal
According to PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid, the recent Asia Cup handshake controversy revealed ‘negative emotions‘ against Pakistan, influencing their decision. He said, ‘The situation is not conducive to sending our players.‘ Mujahid cited safety and rising hostility as major concerns. This marks Pakistan’s second withdrawal from a major hockey event this year, following the Men’s Asia Cup, further highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding India-Pakistan sports relations.
