Pakistan set to host FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Lahore next year

Pakistan will host a major International Hockey Federation (FIH) event after a gap of 24 years, with the fifth edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup scheduled to be held in Lahore from February 19 to 28, 2027.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram and interim Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani announced the decision at a ceremony in Islamabad on Friday, where they also formally signed an agreement for the hosting of the 10-team tournament.

The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah Khan, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, State Minister for Education Wajiha Qamar, lawmakers, former hockey players and ambassadors of various countries.

The fifth edition of the competition will mark the first expansion from an eight-team to a 10-team format, reflecting the growing competitiveness of international men’s hockey and providing more nations with exposure to high-level competition. Besides hosts Pakistan, Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea and the United States will feature in the tournament.

Pakistan, who finished runners-up in the 2024-25 edition, will be looking to capitalise on home advantage and secure promotion to the 2027-28 FIH Hockey Pro League. The Nations Cup champions will earn a place in the top-tier competition, which brings together the world’s leading hockey nations.

Addressing the ceremony, Ikram described the Nations Cup as a major international hockey event and termed its return to Pakistan a significant moment for the country and the sport.

He said Pakistan had no shortage of hockey talent and assured the country of the FIH’s full support for the promotion and revival of the game. He also praised the national team’s performance at the recently concluded Asian Games.

In a significant development, Ikram announced that Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium had been approved as an official FIH High Performance Centre to support the development of players.

However, he stressed the need for structural and financial reforms to put Pakistan hockey back on track. He recommended the establishment of an independent sports ministry and called for improvements in the country’s financial model for sports, particularly hockey, saying adequate investment could help Pakistan make considerable progress.

In a statement issued after the announcement, Ikram said Pakistan held a cherished and foundational place in the heritage of hockey, backed by an extraordinary passion among its fans and a rich legacy of champions.

He said bringing a major FIH event back to the country reflected the international body’s commitment to expanding hockey’s global footprint and supporting national associations seeking opportunities to compete on the world stage. He expressed confidence that the PHF and local authorities would deliver a world-class tournament that would inspire the next generation of players.

Rana Sanaullah said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government were taking steps to revive hockey, which had long remained a source of national identity and pride.

Regretting the decline in Pakistan’s standing in international hockey, he said it was disappointing to see lower-ranked teams defeat the national side by substantial margins. However, he assured the gathering that the government would extend all possible support for the revival of the national game.

The minister said the issue of the PHF’s interim arrangements would also be resolved and urged former hockey players and legends to support the federation in its efforts to restore the country’s lost standing. He praised Wani’s performance and called on former players to work with him for the betterment of the game.

Wani, meanwhile, outlined the federation’s recent initiatives, including participation in international competitions and the hiring of foreign coaches. Acknowledging that Pakistan hockey had suffered a decline over the past two decades, he said efforts were now under way to improve the situation.

He described the award of the Nations Cup hosting rights as a strong expression of international confidence in Pakistan’s ability and capacity to stage major sporting events.

“Pakistan will be wonderful hosts, and hockey fans will have the opportunity to witness world-class, highly competitive international hockey on home soil,” he said, terming the tournament a new chapter in the revival of the national game.

Launched in 2022, the Nations Cup provides high-level competitive opportunities to emerging hockey nations and offers a merit-based pathway to the Pro League. Previous editions were held in South Africa, Poland and Malaysia. South Africa won the inaugural tournament in Potchefstroom in 2022, while New Zealand have claimed the title twice and will return to Lahore seeking another triumph.

France, the reigning 2025-26 champions, have secured promotion to the Pro League and will not feature in the next edition.

The 10-day competition will bring together teams from five continents, offering Pakistan an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to host major international sporting events while giving the national side a chance to return to the elite level of international hockey.