Major Update! Will Pakistan travel to India for Junior Men's World Cup 2025? Hockey India reveals

Pakistan will send its junior team to participate in the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup 2025 in Tamil Nadu, as confirmed by Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh. This comes after Pakistan's withdrawal from the Asia Cup tournament in Bihar's Rajgir.Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey had earlier confirmed Pakistan's withdrawal from the Asia Cup, citing security concerns. This had raised questions about their participation in the Junior Hockey World Cup, where India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B with Chile and Switzerland.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath has now clarified Pakistan's participation after discussions with the Pakistan Hockey Federation."Pakistan have agreed to send their Junior hockey team to play in the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup 2025 to be held in Chennai and Madurai," Nath told the media, as quoted by ANI.The tournament is set to take place from November 28 to December 10 in Madurai and Chennai.Indian hockey legend Aslam Sher Khan commented on Pakistan's Asia Cup absence, stating that they should have participated as there is "nothing to be afraid of" in the country and India is a "very good nation with regards to sports and culture."

The Indian government has recently updated its policy regarding sports relations with Pakistan. Indian athletes and teams can now participate in international events that include Pakistani participants.The policy maintains that India will not participate in competitions held in Pakistan or engage in bilateral competitions.The government has also announced a simplified visa policy for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies, valid for up to five years.The relationship between India and Pakistan has become tense following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that resulted in 26 tourist casualties on April 22.