Pakistan have withdrawn from men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 scheduled to be played in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Pakistan were one of 24 teams qualified for the marquee junior event and they were placed in Group B, alongside India, Chile, and Switzerland. The latest development was confirmed by Hockey India (HI) treasures and Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu (HUTN) President Sekar Manoharan.
Speaking to Times of India, Sekaran said, “Pakistanhave pulled out and the replacement team will be announced in a few days.” As per sources, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has expressed their intention to send their team to compete at a neutral venue. “We have urged the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to arrange for a neutral venue to allow
us to participate and play our matches in the Junior World Cup. Missing out on major events because they are being held in India is hurting our hockey and not helping in the development of our players,” remarked PHF secretary general Rana Mujahid.
Sporting relations between two nations got affected due to Pahalgam Terror Attack
Following the Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor, sporting relations between India and Pakistan have recorded a new low. In cricket, the two neighbours played in the Asia Cup 2025 against each other thrice but India refused to shake hands with the Men in Green.
Similarly, Indian team followed their men’s side’s footsteps and did not do the conventional gesture against Pakistan in the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match played in Colombo. Recently, India’s junior kabaddi team captain Ishant Rathee refused to shake hands with his counterpart.
