Pakistan to Participate in FIH Junior World Cup in India, Confirms Hockey India Chief

Pakistan will visit India later this year to compete in the FIH Junior World Cup, Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh confirmed on Saturday.

The announcement comes after Pakistan opted out of the ongoing Asia Cup in Bihar, citing security concerns amid the recent military tensions between the two countries. Questions had arisen over whether the Pakistani team would participate in the Junior World Cup, scheduled in Chennai and Madurai in November-December.

“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 now in their final stage. Out of 24 participating countries, Hockey India has received long lists from 23 nations, with Pakistan being the only team pending confirmation, expected shortly.

The Indian government recently clarified that while it will not pursue bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan, Indian teams will still compete against Pakistan in multinational events. This policy followed the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 civilians, and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor.

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

He also confirmed that visas for the Pakistani team have been cleared. Regarding the FIH Pro League, Singh said 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 if we have a match against Pakistan, why won’t we play them? It is an international tournament,” he added.