Pakistan to play in India in FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025; no sanctions for Asia Cup absence
Pakistan will participate in the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in India between November 28 and December 10 in Chennai, Hockey India’s secretary general, Bhola Nath Singh, announced on Saturday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bhola Nath said, “I can confirm that Pakistan will play in the Junior World Cup in India. I spoke to the PHF [Pakistan Hockey Federation] officials last night and they assured me that their team will participate in India.”
When asked if India would host Pakistan for the FIH Pro League, Bhola Nath confirmed that they would follow the Olympic Charter.
RELATED: India vs Pakistan in FIH Pro League 2025-26 confirmed
The FIH Pro League 2025-26 season will feature two matches between the two rivals after Pakistan accepted the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) invitation to replace New Zealand.
New Zealand had initially qualified for the next season after beating Pakistan in the FIH Nations Cup final, but later declined the invitation. According to regulations, the invitation was then extended to runner-up Pakistan, which has confirmed its participation.
Pakistan will join Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Spain and the Netherlands in the seventh edition of the men’s Pro League. It will replace relegated Ireland.
Bhola Nath emphasised India’s readiness to play, saying, “We will always follow the Olympic Charter. The Pro League falls under that, and we will follow it every time. India is always ready to play against Pakistan in any multi-national tournament, anywhere in the world.”
No Sanctions for Pakistan’s Absence
Regarding Pakistan’s absence from the current Asian Cup without an official reason, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) stated that no sanctions would be imposed.
Bhola Nath, who is also the AHF’s vice president, explained, “No, we are not thinking about taking any steps against the PHF. It [its absence] was a matter of their government.”
Published on Aug 30, 2025