Pakistan will host the fifth edition of the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup in Lahore next year, marking the return of a major international hockey tournament to the country after 22 years. The decision was formally announced following an agreement signed between the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
International teams heading to Lahore
FIH President Tayyab Ikram confirmed the hosting rights during a ceremony attended by federal ministers, parliamentarians, and former Olympians. A total of 10 international teams will compete in the tournament. Officials highlighted that hosting a tournament of this scale represents a significant opportunity to revive top-tier hockey in Pakistan.
The ceremony was attended by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, and several prominent figures from Pakistan's sporting community.
Call for structural stability
During the announcement, the FIH leadership addressed administrative challenges facing domestic hockey governance. The FIH president stressed the need to replace ad-hoc management structures with long-term stability and a sustainable high-performance framework.
He expressed hope that the government would consider restoring a dedicated sports ministry to strengthen national athletic development and build lasting infrastructure for future international competitions.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- 2003: Pakistan hosts its last major international hockey tournament on home soil prior to the new agreement.
- Recent months: Administrative discussions take place regarding domestic sports governance and ad-hoc committees.
- Friday ceremony: FIH and PHF officially sign the hosting agreement in Islamabad for the fifth edition of the Nations Cup in Lahore.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan ko agli FIH Hockey Nations Cup ki meezbani mil gayi hai. Yeh muqabla aglay saal Lahore mein hoga jismein dunya ki 10 teams hissa lein gi. Pakistan mein 22 saal baad itna bada hockey tournament hone ja raha hai. Is se mulk mein hockey ke khel ko dobara aage barhne ka mauka milega.
