Pakistan Withdraws from Upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup Hosted by India

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday formally decided not to send its national junior team to India for next month’s Junior World Cup, scheduled from November 28 to December 10, citing security concerns and what officials described as India’s “hostile attitude” towards Pakistan in the sporting arena.

The decision was finalised after a high-profile meeting in Islamabad, where senior government representatives and PHF officials deliberated on multiple issues, including the safety of Pakistani players and the broader political climate surrounding bilateral sports relations. Sources privy to the meeting said the matter was discussed at length, particularly in light of India’s recent behaviour during the Asia Cup cricket tournament, which Pakistan believes reflected a lack of goodwill and cooperation in sports diplomacy.

“The PHF will convey its decision to Hockey India soon,” a PHF official told Dawn.com. “Both the federation and the government are united in their stance that the safety of our players cannot be compromised under any circumstances. Therefore, we have collectively decided not to send our team to India.”

Security and Policy Factors

Pakistan’s decision follows increasing friction between the two neighbours in the sports domain. Officials noted that while the International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented hybrid arrangements — ensuring neutral venues for matches between Pakistan and India in either country — the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has made no comparable provision.

This absence of neutrality, coupled with escalating diplomatic strains, appears to have shaped the PHF’s position. Pakistan had also skipped the Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in India last month, despite its significance as a qualifier for next year’s World Cup. That decision, too, was reportedly based on security and political considerations.

Sports analysts suggest that the move may have implications for Pakistan’s international hockey participation and rankings. However, federation insiders argue that the safety and dignity of national athletes remain the foremost priority.

PHF Governance and Elections

In a parallel development, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) convened in Islamabad under the chairmanship of MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed to review internal matters concerning the PHF. The committee took up the issue of PHF elections and the scrutiny of hockey clubs, both long-standing concerns within the federation’s governance framework.

During the session, the convener of the sub-committee presented a detailed report outlining the federation’s commitment to holding transparent elections and ensuring compliance with sports governance standards. The committee was informed that the PHF had agreed to conduct club scrutiny and elections in accordance with prescribed regulations.

PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid briefed lawmakers that the matters of election scheduling and club scrutiny would be placed before the federation’s Executive Committee meeting on November 7, after which an official announcement would follow. He assured the committee that due process would be observed to maintain transparency and restore credibility within the hockey body.

Directive for Fair Oversight

The parliamentary committee directed the PHF to establish an election commission that includes representation from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), ensuring independent oversight. It further instructed that the club scrutiny process be carried out in close consultation with the PSB to avoid potential conflicts of interest or procedural lapses.

Officials believe that the coordination between PHF and PSB could help resolve long-standing administrative issues that have hindered the federation’s operations. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that national sports federations function transparently and in accordance with international standards.

A Strained Sporting Landscape

The developments underscore the widening gulf between Pakistan and India across multiple sports disciplines. While diplomatic efforts remain stalled, sports bodies on both sides continue to face challenges in facilitating cross-border participation.

For Pakistan hockey, the decision to withdraw from the Junior World Cup marks yet another setback in its quest to regain its once-dominant international standing. Yet, as PHF officials emphasise, “player security and national dignity come first.”