ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Thursday announced its withdrawal from the Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India next month.
PHF secretary Rana Mujahid confirmed that the federation has officially informed the International Hockey Federation (IHF) that Pakistan would not feature in the tournament due to tensions between the two nations.
“It is by no means appropriate to travel to India and play under the current situation,” he said.
He also lamented the handshake saga that occurred during the Asia Cup 2025 and condemned receiving the trophy.
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“The incident of not shaking hands with the Pakistan cricket team is regrettable,” he continued.
“Not receiving the trophy from President ACC and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is also condemnable. In such a situation, one cannot go to India,” he remarked.
This comes after the heightened tension between both countries since the terrorist attack on tourists in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Pahalgam area.
For the unversed, the Junior Hockey World Cup will run from November 28 to December 10 across Chennai and Madurai.
With 23 teams competing, the pool stage will run over five days, with December 3 set aside as a rest day. The crossover stage will take place afterward, leading up to the final match on December 10.