In a major sporting development, Pakistan’s junior hockey team has decided not to travel to India for the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup. The decision, confirmed by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), comes amid visa and logistical challenges, as well as strained sporting relations between the two neighboring countries.
According to PHF officials, all necessary documentation and applications were submitted on time, but the Indian authorities did not issue visas to the Pakistani contingent, effectively preventing their participation in the prestigious tournament. The federation has expressed disappointment, stating that the players had been preparing intensively for months.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has been informed of the situation, and Pakistan has called for fair treatment and sports diplomacy to ensure that such incidents do not affect athletes in the future.
Sports analysts have termed the development a setback for young players who were eager to showcase their skills on the international stage.