Pakistan to Tour India for Hockey World Cup; Big Clash Set in Group Stage

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid the ongoing tension on the border between India and Pakistan and the tense atmosphere created after the recent terrorist attacks, a big and positive news has come from the sports field. Pakistan has confirmed its participation in the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup to be held in India later this year. This decision is also important because recently Pakistan's senior team had withdrawn its name from the Hockey Asia Cup being held in India citing security reasons.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh on Saturday announced that the Pakistan Hockey Federation has officially confirmed sending its team to the FIH Junior Hockey World Cup. He called it an important step for the spirit of the game. This prestigious Under-21 tournament provides a great platform for young players to showcase their talent at the international level.

It is worth noting that tensions between the two countries are at their peak after the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India's 'Operation Sindoor' in response to it. Citing this tension and security concerns, the Pakistan Hockey Federation had refused to send its senior team to the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 being held in Rajgir, Bihar. But now the decision to send the team for the Junior World Cup is being considered an important development for the sports relations between the two countries.

The FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 will be held in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10 this year, in which 24 teams from all over the world will participate. The biggest news for hockey lovers is that hosts India and arch-rivals Pakistan have been placed in the same Pool-B. Chile and Switzerland are also with them in this group. With this draw, a high-voltage 'Mahamukabala' between India and Pakistan is set to take place in the group stage.