Overview
- FIH confirmed Wednesday that Pakistan declined its invitation to the 2025 Junior World Cup despite having qualified via the Junior Asia Cup 2024.
- Oman, the next-highest finisher at the Junior Asia Cup, has been named to take Pakistan’s spot and will line up in Group B with India, Chile and Switzerland.
- The tournament runs from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai, with an expanded field of 24 teams for both the men’s and women’s events.
- PHF officials have cited an unconducive environment and recent cross-sport hostilities as reasons for pulling out, and a reported proposal to play at a neutral venue was rejected by FIH.
- This marks Pakistan’s second withdrawal from an India-hosted hockey event in 2025 after skipping the men’s Asia Cup in Rajgir, where Bangladesh was invited as a replacement.