Lahore: Pakistan is likely to boycott the 2025 Junior Hockey World Cup in India, citing serious security threats and a lack of diplomatic cooperation, following a similar decision to skip the Asia Hockey Cup.
Government sources have confirmed that no No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be issued for Pakistani sports teams traveling to India “under the current climate.” This blanket restriction affects not only hockey but all sporting disciplines.
The development comes as Pakistan and India find themselves in the same group for the upcoming Junior World Cup, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter between the arch-rivals., officials in Islamabad have raised red flags over growing hostility, pointing to threats issued online and aggressive commentary from Indian media and extremist groups.
While the Pakistan Hockey Federation had initially confirmed conditional participation, the absence of government clearance effectively rules out travel.
Veteran players and Olympians from Pakistan have also called for both the Junior World Cup and Asia Cup to be shifted to neutral venues, criticizing India’s alleged politicization of international sports.
This marks a continuing breakdown in bilateral sporting ties, as Pakistan accuses India of turning athletic competitions into geopolitical battlegrounds. For now, safety concerns remain paramount — and Pakistan is not willing to take chances.
