Updated On: 03 September, 2025 06:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The PHF's decision contradicts recent comments made by Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, who had stated only last Saturday that Pakistan would be participating in the upcoming Junior World Cup in India. The ongoing political and military standoff has cast a shadow over sporting ties between the two nations

Representational Image (Pic: AFP)
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced its decision to boycott the 2025 FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Chennai, India. The move comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the two neighbouring nations and follows Pakistan's recent withdrawal from the ongoing Asia Cup in Bihar, also citing security concerns.
Speaking to a local media outlet from the PHF headquarters in Lahore, PHF President Tariq Bugti confirmed the decision, saying: “The Pakistan junior hockey team will not feature in the Hockey World Cup. In the current situation, we cannot travel to India.”
Pakistan's junior hockey team will not travel to India for the World Cup, said Tariq Bugti, President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, in a firm statement. "In my personal view, if India refuses to come to Pakistan for cricket then our hockey team should also not go there."… pic.twitter.com/MPNZFH4GQv