Oman to replace Pakistan at Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025 in Tamil Nadu

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has confirmed that Oman will replace Pakistan in the upcoming Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2025.

It is scheduled to take place in Tamil Nadu from November 28 to December 10.

Matches will be held in Chennai and Madurai.

After Pakistan withdrew from the tournament, Oman qualified as the next highest-ranked team from the Junior Asia Cup 2024.

"Pakistan Hockey Federation had notified the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that they have not accepted the invitation to participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, after their team had qualified for this event at the Asia Junior Cup last year," the FIH said in a statement.

Pakistan was originally placed in Group B alongside India, Chile, and Switzerland. Oman will now take their spot in the same group.

The FIH had delayed conducting the tournament draw for nearly a month to give Pakistan time to consult with its government about participation. However, after no confirmation was received, the federation proceeded with the draw ceremony at its headquarters in Lausanne, instead of hosting it in India.

This marks the second time Pakistan has withdrawn from a hockey event in India.

Earlier, they pulled out of the Men’s Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, where Bangladesh replaced them. That withdrawal cost Pakistan a place in next year’s World Cup, as the event served as a qualifying tournament.

For the first time, both the Men’s and Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cups 2025 will feature 24 teams each, aligning with the federation’s Empowerment and Engagement strategy to promote greater accessibility to its global events.

Germany is the defending champion, having won the 2023 edition of the tournament held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.