ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided not to participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup in India, with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) citing the prevailing political environment as the reason for the withdrawal.
In a statement, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid said the federation has formally informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that Pakistan would not participate in the tournament under the circumstances.
He added that Pakistan had proposed the option of playing its matches at a neutral venue instead. “It is not at all appropriate to travel and play to India under the current situation,” he said.
The move comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi following a four-day armed conflict in May – the worst between the old enemies in decades.
The conflict was sparked by a terrorist attack on tourists in India’s illegally occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Pahalgam, which New Delhi said was backed by Pakistan.
Following the incident, India spent three days killing several innocent civilians in unprovoked attacks on Pakistan before Pakistani forces retaliated with the successful Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.
Pakistan has downed six IAF fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed countries ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
Previously, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) withdrew from the Asia Cup in August citing security concerns.
The controversy started when India decided not to allow its team to cross the border for the Champions Trophy, which Islamabad termed as politicization of the sport.
Later, both countries agreed on a “merger formula” under which India would participate in the mega tournament at a neutral venue instead of the host country, Pakistan.
Pakistan was also forced to host the 2023 Asia Cup on a hybrid model, with India’s matches and the final held in Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan did play India in the 2023 ICC World Cup hosted there.
