Pakistan Pulls Out Of Junior Hockey World Cup In India, Seeks Neutral Venue
Pakistan Pulls Out Of Junior Hockey World Cup In India: Less than a month is left for the start of the ICC Men's Junior Hockey World Cup, but Pakistan has decided to withdraw from the tournament. The tournament is scheduled to be played in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Pakistan has cited ongoing political tensions with India as the reason. Pakistan was placed in Group B with India, Chile, and Switzerland. Now, the FIH will decide whether to invite another team in their place.
Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup: India Eye Glory After Reaching Semi-Finals
Pakistan refuses to travel to India for Junior Hockey World Cup 2025
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) made this decision after consulting with the government and officially informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The FIH will then inform Hockey India. This is the second hockey tournament in India from which Pakistan has withdrawn. Previously, they had also withdrawn from the Men's Asia Cup held in Rajgir, Bihar.
Pakistan Hockey Federation confirmed
PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid stated, "Yes, the current circumstances are not favorable. The recent Asia Cup cricket tournament demonstrated the strong anti-Pakistan sentiment in India. Our players and their players did not shake hands. They did not even accept the trophy."
Pakistan seeks neutral venue for the tournament
A senior PHF official stated that the decision was made after consultation with the Pakistan government and sports board. The government informed us that sending the team to India would be a security risk amid the current political tensions. Therefore, we decided not to send the team. The official added, "We understand this is a significant loss for the junior team, but amid so much negative sentiment, this decision is the right and wise one."
Pakistan also withdrew from the Asia Cup hockey tournament in August. Bangladesh took their place at that time. That decision prevented Pakistan from qualifying for next year's World Cup.
Also Read: IND vs AUS: India loses in Adelaide after 17 years, Australia wins ODI series
Recent match against India
The Pakistan junior team recently played against India in the Sultan of Johor Cup (Malaysia), which ended in a 3-3 draw. Both teams exchanged high fives before the match. The junior team had been preparing for the World Cup for the past year and had played three international series, but will now be unable to participate in the tournament.
.