Junior Hockey World Cup in India Faces Boycott Threat as Pakistan Weighs Withdrawal

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is set to boycott the 2025 FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Chennai, India. The decision follows Pakistan's withdrawal from the ongoing Asia Cup in Bihar, citing security concerns amid heightened military tensions between the two countries.

"The Pakistan junior hockey team will not feature in the Hockey World Cup. In the current situation, we cannot travel to India," PHF president Tariq Bugti told a Pakistani website at the PHF headquarters in Lahore on Tuesday.

Bugti cited strained relations between the two countries as a major factor influencing the decision. Speaking further to a Pakistani media outlet, he said, "Considering the tensions that we were having with India, it was totally impossible for us to go to India (for the Asia Cup). It was a war-like situation on both sides. So, in the current scenario, we can't travel to India now or in the future. The situation is the same (presently). And, if the Indian cricket team can't come here, then even the Pakistan hockey team won't go to India."

Earlier this year, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey had stated that Pakistan would be welcome to take part in the Junior World Cup later in the year, but added that India would not be "playing the waiting game" for them. Pakistan had been scheduled to participate in the ongoing Asia Cup but withdrew at the last moment, citing security concerns.

Pakistan's participation in the Junior World Cup had already been in doubt following the fallout from the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindhoor earlier this year. Despite receiving clearance to travel for the tournament, the team ultimately decided against participation.

Speaking to India Today during a media interaction, Tirkey said, "I also read in papers only that Pakistan confirmed. We also came to know from papers. If they delay, they will give reasons. Last time also, the Indian government welcomed them, clearance was also given, but finally they dropped it, citing security reasons."

Hockey India secretary Bholanath Singh confirmed that preparations for the Junior World Cup are in their final stages and that Pakistan's participation remains uncertain.

The Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports recently announced a new policy regarding international sports events involving Pakistan.