New Delhi: Oman has been confirmed as the replacement for Pakistan in the upcoming Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, set to be held in Tamil Nadu from November 28 to December 10. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced that Oman would take Pakistan’s place after the latter declined to participate.
The FIH stated that the Pakistan Hockey Federation had informed it of the decision not to accept the invitation, despite having qualified for the tournament through the Junior Asia Cup 2024. Oman, being the next highest-ranked team from that event, will now join the lineup.
With this change, Oman will occupy Pakistan’s position in Group B, which also includes India, Chile, and Switzerland. The development came after weeks of uncertainty, as the FIH delayed the tournament draw to give Pakistan time to secure government approval. However, the governing body eventually proceeded with the draw at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, rather than in the host city.
This marks the second time Pakistan has withdrawn from a major hockey event in India. Earlier, they pulled out of the Men’s Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, where Bangladesh stepped in as a replacement. That decision cost Pakistan a spot in next year’s senior World Cup, as the Asia Cup served as a qualifying tournament.
The Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 will be jointly hosted across Chennai and Madurai, showcasing a wider participation field than ever before. For the first time in the tournament’s history, both the men’s and women’s editions will feature 24 teams, part of FIH’s broader strategy to enhance global inclusion and accessibility in hockey.
Germany enter the competition as defending champions, having clinched the 2023 title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The expanded 2025 edition is expected to draw significant global attention, highlighting Tamil Nadu’s growing stature as a hub for international hockey.
