Oman has officially replaced Pakistan in the upcoming FIH Junior Hockey World Cup, to be held in Tamil Nadu, India from November 28 to December 10, following Pakistan’s withdrawal due to security concerns.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced on Thursday that the men’s team would not travel to India for the event due to security concerns.
PHF secretary Rana Mujahid confirmed that the decision had been formally communicated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
“Under the current circumstances, it is by no means appropriate to travel to India and play,” Mujahid said, adding that Pakistan had proposed hosting their matches at a neutral venue instead – a suggestion the FIH did not accept.
Following Pakistan’s withdrawal, the FIH confirmed Oman’s inclusion as an alternate team for the tournament.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries, which have often had an impact on sporting relations.
Earlier this year, Pakistan also withdrew from the 2025 Asia Cup, which was hosted in Bihar, India, where the home side eventually defeated South Korea 4-1 in the final.
The dispute between the two countries over sports participation escalated when India refused to send its team across the border for the Champions Trophy, a move Islamabad described as “the politicization of sports.”
A subsequent ‘merger formula’ allowed India to compete on a neutral ground, rather than in host Pakistan.
Pakistan was similarly forced to host the 2023 ACC Men’s Asia Cup under a hybrid model, with India’s matches and the final being played in Sri Lanka.
Despite these disputes, Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup last year.
Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.
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