IND vs PAK: The ongoing political tension between India and Pakistan is now going to be visible in another tournament. Pakistan has withdrawn the name of its team from the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup. This tournament is going to be held in India in November-December this year. Confirming this big news on Friday, the International Hockey Federation said that Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has informed them that their team will not participate in the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025.

Political tension is the main reason

A senior PHF official has cited the current political tension and security risks as the reasons behind this decision. According to sources, the Pakistan government and the Sports Board had advised that it would not be appropriate to send the team to India in the current tense environment. It is noteworthy that after the recent terrorist attack on April 22 and the subsequent retaliatory action taken by India ‘Operation Sindoor’, relations between the two countries have become more sour.

This is the second time that Pakistan has withdrawn its name from a major hockey tournament to be held in India. Earlier, the Pakistan team had also not participated in the Asia Cup Hockey held in Rajgir, Bihar this year.

FIH made it clear

After the exclusion of the Pakistan Hockey team, the International Hockey Federation has made it clear that soon the team that will participate in the World Cup will be announced in their place. FIH also clarified that the full number of teams will remain in the tournament. Pakistan qualified for this tournament and was placed in the group stage along with India, Chile and Switzerland.