Hockey India Confirms Pakistan’s Participation in FIH Junior World Cup in India

Pakistan Confirms Participation in FIH Junior World Cup in India, Says Hockey India.

Pakistan will travel to India later this year to take part in the FIH Junior World Cup, Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh confirmed on Saturday. The confirmation comes after Pakistan withdrew from the ongoing Asia Cup in Bihar, citing security concerns amid recent military tensions. Their participation in the Junior World Cup, scheduled in Chennai and Madurai in November-December, had been uncertain.

“The Pakistan team is coming to India for the Junior World Cup. They confirmed to us last night. I asked them about their availability after they opted out of the Asia Cup,” Singh said. Preparations for the tournament are in the final stages. Out of 24 participating countries, Hockey India has received team lists from 23 nations, with Pakistan expected to submit theirs soon.

The Indian government recently clarified that while it will not engage in bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, Indian teams will still face Pakistan in multinational competitions. This policy followed the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.

Singh emphasized adherence to international regulations, saying, “Whatever the Olympic Charter tells us, the government and Hockey India will abide by that. The Government of India is clear that Pakistan can come and play against India in any international tournament.”

He added that visas for the Pakistani team have been cleared. Regarding the FIH Pro League, Singh stated that India will play Pakistan if scheduled, noting that Pakistan has replaced New Zealand in the 2025-26 season. “If they are in our pool in the FIH Pro League, and we have a match against Pakistan, we will play them. It is an international tournament,” he said.