The future of international hockey tournaments in India and Pakistan hangs in the balance as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) are considering barring both countries from hosting events unless their governments ensure smooth sporting relations. A source told Dawn that the matter gained urgency after Pakistan pulled out of the Asia Cup, held from Aug 29 to Sept 7 in Rajgir, India, which also doubled as a World Cup qualifier. The withdrawal followed heightened political tensions after a brief military clash in May.
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The AHF delayed Pakistan’s confirmation until the last moment before replacing them with Bangladesh. Oman also withdrew due to financial issues, paving the way for Kazakhstan’s entry. Sources added that the FIH had anticipated Pakistan’s non-participation in the Junior World Cup in India later this year. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), while updating both federations, urged them to find ways to secure Pakistan’s participation in global tournaments.
Given the current strain, both AHF and FIH are close to making it mandatory for India and Pakistan to provide government-backed assurances before bidding to host future events. Without such guarantees, tournaments may be shifted or withdrawn from the subcontinent.
Despite Pakistan’s absence from the Asia Cup, the FIH has offered them another chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Pakistan will play a three-match playoff against the team that finished sixth in the Asia Cup, needing two wins to qualify. Showing further leniency, the FIH has decided that if the sixth-placed team cannot afford to host Pakistan, then Pakistan will still qualify automatically.
However, sources cautioned the PHF against officially boycotting the Junior World Cup, warning that an official stance could trigger penalties. Pakistan had avoided punishment over the Asia Cup by remaining silent on its non-participation, which allowed the FIH to offer alternatives.
Recently, PHF president Tariq Hussain Bugti stated that Pakistan would not be sending its team to India for the Junior World Cup, reflecting the government’s hard stance. Still, the federations’ proposed policy could reshape hockey’s future in the region, making bilateral political ties a key factor in sporting participation and hosting rights.
