Pakistan Decides Against Sending Junior Hockey Team to India for World Cup Over Security Concerns

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed that Pakistan will not participate in the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup in India, citing security concerns and strained sporting relations between the two nations.

Pakistan Withdraws from Junior Hockey World Cup in India

In a major development highlighting the continued strain in sporting relations between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided not to send its national junior team to compete in the 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in India from November 28 to December 10.

The decision follows an extensive, high-level meeting in Islamabad where officials discussed concerns over player safety, security arrangements, and India’s “hostile attitude” toward Pakistan in recent sports events.

A senior PHF official confirmed the move to Dawn.com, stating:

“The PHF will convey its decision to Hockey India soon. The PHF and the government don’t want to compromise on the security of players, therefore we decided not to send our team.”

The announcement comes as a significant setback to Pakistan’s hockey ambitions, given that the Junior World Cup serves as a crucial platform for emerging players and international exposure.

Security Concerns at the Heart of the Decision

Pakistan’s withdrawal decision was primarily driven by security concerns, which have long plagued the country’s participation in sports tournaments hosted by India.

According to PHF officials, the security situation for Pakistani athletes in India remains uncertain. Recent diplomatic tensions, coupled with incidents at other sporting events, have raised apprehensions about the safety and fair treatment of Pakistani players.

The decision was reportedly discussed in coordination with Pakistan’s Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both of which advised caution.

“We cannot take any risks when it comes to the safety and dignity of our players,” said a government representative familiar with the matter. “The political environment does not allow for a peaceful or secure participation at this stage.”

India-Pakistan Sports Tensions Escalate

The strained political and diplomatic relationship between India and Pakistan has frequently spilled into the world of sports — and hockey is no exception.

Pakistan’s decision follows a series of controversies, including the Asia Cup cricket dispute earlier this year, where the Indian team refused to play any matches on Pakistani soil. The matter led to the hybrid hosting model introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC), allowing both nations to compete at neutral venues.

However, hockey’s governing body, the International Hockey Federation (FIH), has not implemented any such hybrid arrangements. As a result, Pakistan’s players and officials have expressed unease about participating in Indian-hosted events.

“In cricket, the ICC ensures that both teams have the option of playing on neutral grounds when political or security concerns arise. Unfortunately, hockey doesn’t have that flexibility,” a PHF insider explained. “We have no assurance of our team’s safety or fair treatment in India.”

Pakistan also skipped the 2025 Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in India last month — a competition that doubled as a qualifier for next year’s Hockey World Cup — due to similar concerns.

Government Backs PHF’s Stance

The Government of Pakistan has endorsed the PHF’s decision, reiterating that national security and player safety are of utmost importance.

During the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination meeting held in Islamabad, lawmakers discussed both the Junior World Cup decision and ongoing administrative issues within the PHF.

Committee Chairman MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed chaired the meeting, where the convener of the sub-committee presented a detailed report on PHF operations and future planning.

The committee was informed that the PHF’s Executive Committee would meet on November 7 to finalize matters regarding club scrutiny and upcoming elections, along with formalizing the communication to Hockey India about the withdrawal.

PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid told the committee that all issues — including player development and upcoming domestic tournaments — would be reviewed during that meeting to ensure continuity in Pakistan’s hockey program despite missing the World Cup.

Election Reforms and Club Scrutiny on PHF Agenda

Beyond the Junior World Cup withdrawal, the meeting also addressed the PHF’s internal governance, which has faced scrutiny in recent years.

The Standing Committee on IPC directed the PHF to ensure transparent elections and fair club-level scrutiny across the country. The committee emphasized that the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) must have representation in both the Election Commission and the club verification process to prevent conflicts of interest.

“We have instructed the PHF to conduct elections transparently and with PSB’s oversight,” Chairman Sheikh Aftab stated. “This is essential to restore credibility to the federation and maintain trust among the players and public.”

The PHF has faced repeated criticism for delayed elections and alleged irregularities in club registrations. The latest directive aims to bring structural accountability and transparency to Pakistan’s oldest sports body.

Reaction from the Hockey Community

The PHF’s decision has drawn mixed reactions within Pakistan’s sporting fraternity.

While many have backed the move on security grounds, others worry about the long-term implications for Pakistan’s international hockey profile.

Former Olympian Islahuddin Siddique called the decision “unfortunate but understandable.”

“Security is non-negotiable,” he said. “But we must remember that missing global tournaments affects player growth and international ranking. The PHF should work with the FIH to ensure Pakistan isn’t isolated from future events.”

Former captain Kaleemullah Khan echoed similar sentiments:

“The players need international exposure to develop. I hope this decision is temporary and the PHF finds diplomatic channels to reengage with the FIH.”

Many fans, however, expressed disappointment on social media, calling it another blow to Pakistan hockey, which has struggled to regain its past glory since the early 2000s.

The Broader Picture: Hockey and Politics Collide

The intersection of politics and sports between India and Pakistan continues to complicate bilateral participation across multiple disciplines.

While both nations have competed in cricket and hockey under neutral venues, direct engagement remains rare. Diplomatic tensions have often dictated sporting exchanges, with cross-border tournaments suspended for years at a time.

Experts say that unless the FIH establishes mechanisms similar to the ICC’s hybrid venue model, future tournaments will face similar challenges.

Sports analyst Zeeshan Ahmed noted:

“The FIH needs to recognize the unique geopolitical realities of South Asia. Without alternative arrangements, the participation of both India and Pakistan in the same event will continue to face political obstacles.”

Impact on Pakistan’s Junior Team and Future Plans

For Pakistan’s junior hockey players, the decision means missing a golden opportunity to compete against top international sides. The Junior World Cup has historically served as a breeding ground for the next generation of stars.

PHF officials acknowledged the disappointment among players but insisted that domestic development programs will continue as planned.

The federation has already announced plans to organize a National Under-21 Hockey Championship early next year, allowing young athletes to showcase their skills and remain match-fit for upcoming regional tournaments.

“Our priority now is to focus on building strength at home,” said a PHF development officer. “We will organize regular camps and domestic events to ensure the players remain motivated and ready for future international opportunities.”

Hockey’s Struggles in Pakistan

Once the pride of the nation, Pakistan hockey has seen a steep decline over the past two decades. The country — which holds the record for four Hockey World Cup titles (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994) — has failed to qualify for several major international tournaments in recent years.

A lack of funding, administrative instability, and dwindling grassroots participation have all contributed to the sport’s downturn. The latest withdrawal only adds to concerns that Pakistan is losing its footing in a discipline it once dominated.

However, PHF officials remain optimistic that the federation’s renewed emphasis on governance reform and player development can eventually revive the sport.

FIH’s Silence and the Way Forward

So far, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has not issued an official statement regarding Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Junior World Cup.

Observers believe that the FIH may attempt diplomatic mediation to ensure Pakistan remains engaged in international hockey. Some insiders also hinted at the possibility of Pakistan proposing neutral venues or third-country hosting for future tournaments involving both nations.

Sports diplomacy experts suggest that the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) could play a mediating role, much like the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has done in cricketing disputes between India and Pakistan.

Conclusion: A Difficult Decision Amid Uncertain Times

The PHF’s decision not to send its junior hockey team to India underscores the ongoing difficulties of maintaining sporting exchanges between two neighboring countries with deep political divides.

While the move prioritizes player safety and national security, it also highlights the need for international sports bodies to adopt more flexible, politically neutral hosting arrangements to preserve fair play and participation.

For now, Pakistan’s young hockey talents must wait for another chance to shine on the global stage. As the PHF focuses on rebuilding at home, fans hope this setback will spark renewed investment and reform to restore the nation’s hockey legacy.

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