Hockey India’s Request for Neutral Venue Dismissed amid Pakistan’s Junior World Cup Withdrawal Uncertainty

Pakistan has chosen to withdraw from the Junior Hockey World Cup, which was to take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 28. The FIH confirmed this withdrawal on Friday, stating that a replacement for the team will be announced shortly.

Pakistan was originally grouped with India, Chile, and Switzerland. They also withdrew from the Asia Cup held in Rajgir, India, from August 29 to September 7, where Bangladesh replaced them.

Also Read: FIH Announces Pakistan’s Withdrawal from Junior Hockey World Cup in India, Replacement Team Pending

Tensions between nations have escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India’s response involved Operation Sindoor, prompting cross-border shelling from Pakistan.

‘We Have No Information’: Hockey India

Hockey India has stated that they are still in the dark regarding Pakistan’s withdrawal. Bholanth Singh, HI secretary general, commented to PTI, “We haven’t been informed by the FIH about Pakistan’s withdrawal. I spoke with their officials a month-and-a-half ago, and they confirmed their participation.”

“What has changed since then, I do not know. Our responsibility is to host a successful tournament and hope India clinches the title. FIH now needs to announce a country to replace Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation chief Rana Mujahid cited incidents during the cricket Asia Cup as a factor for withdrawal. Notably, Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts in all three matches.

He mentioned in Lahore that he had requested the FIH to consider a neutral venue, stating, “It’s crucial we participate in major events for our players’ development, and holding them in India hinders this. We can’t play there when sporting goodwill is strained, even at neutral grounds,” he added, emphasizing FIH’s rationale of allocation predating the conflict.

News / Sports / Hockey / Hockey India Clueless About Pakistan’s Withdrawal from Junior World Cup, Neutral Venue Request Denied: Report