• Source:JND
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The Pakistan men's hockey team is all set to participate in the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup, set to be held in India later this year. The announcement was made by Hockey India secretary general Bholanath Singh, putting an end to heavy speculations.

The tournament is scheduled to be played between November 28 and December 10 in Chennai.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bhola Nath said, "I can confirm that Pakistan will play in the Junior World Cup in India. I spoke to the PHF [Pakistan Hockey Federation] officials last night and they assured me that their team will participate in India."'

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When asked if India are set to host Pakistan for the FIH Pro League, Bhola Nath confirmed that they would follow the Olympic Charter. The competition will feature two matches between the arch-rivals after Pakistan accepted the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) invitation to replace New Zealand.

Pakistan will join Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, Spain and the Netherlands in the seventh edition of the men’s Pro League. They will replace relegated Ireland.

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Bhola Nath emphasised India's readiness to play, saying, "We will always follow the Olympic Charter. The Pro League falls under that, and we will follow it every time. India is always ready to play against Pakistan in any multi-national tournament, anywhere in the world."

Regarding Pakistan's absence from the ongoing Asia Cup without an official reason, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) confirmed that no sanctions would be imposed.

Notably, Pakistan's senior team avoided travelling to India to compete at the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is being played in Bihar's Rajgir. In an interesting turn of events, the Pakistan team has also been included in the seventh edition of the FIH Pro League, opening the doors for a possible clash against India in the high-profile event.

The Men in Green are three-time Olympic champions in hockey and four-time Hockey World Cup winners. Their participation also ensures two India vs Pakistan hockey matches as part of the tournament format.