Pakistan’s junior hockey team has withdrawn from the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held in India. The decision comes amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries and concerns over the safety of the players. Rana Mujahid, Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, stated that the current situation is not conducive for sending the team, influencing their decision to pull out.
The Federation has announced that a replacement team will be named soon. The tournament was scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 10, 2025, in Chennai and Madurai. Pakistan’s decision highlights the impact of geopolitical tensions on international sports participation.
This withdrawal presents a new challenge for India-Pakistan sports relations. While athletes from both countries have maintained cordial interactions in some events, political disputes continue to affect sporting engagements. Pakistan’s absence from the Junior World Cup will influence the competitiveness and excitement of the tournament and raises fresh questions about the future of bilateral sports relations.
