Lahore, October 23, 2025: Pakistan has decided not to send its junior hockey team to India for the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup, citing security concerns for its players, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The decision was taken during a high-level consultative meeting held in Islamabad earlier this week. According to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has been formally notified of the government’s decision.
Sources said the move was prompted by “serious security apprehensions” regarding the safety of Pakistani athletes during their stay in India. The Junior Hockey World Cup is scheduled to take place in India from November 28, featuring top under-21 teams from around the world.
Officials added that Pakistan remains committed to promoting international hockey and hopes that such challenges will not hinder future sporting exchanges between the two neighbouring countries.
