Here is why Pakistan not playing in Hockey World Cup 2023 in India?

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 13 Jan 2023

Pakistan’s dominance in the Hockey world witnessed a die down since the beginning of the new century. Although Pakistan remained the most successful team in the hockey World Cup, winning the title four times – 1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994. However, after winning six medals between the inception of the World Cup in 1971 and 1994, Pakistan has not managed a single medal in the tournament.

For the first time in 2014, Pakistan failed to qualify for the World Cup for the Hague edition. The 2023 edition in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela will be the second time Pakistan will not be taking part in the World Cup.

Pakistan had the chance to make it to the tournament during the Asia Cup in 2022, held in Dhaka, and was drafted in Pool B alongside India, Japan, and Indonesia.

The side drew 1-1 against India in the opening match before hammering Indonesia 13-0 in the second Pool match. However, a 2-3 loss to Japan in the last match saw Pakistan end in third place and fail to advance to the semifinals.

As per the disqualification rules set out by FIH, only the top four from Asia will receive qualification for the World Cup. Japan, South Korea and Malaysia were the teams that sealed their spots. While India also made it to the semifinals, it had already qualified by virtue of being the host nation.

Out of the Asian qualifiers, Japan and South Korea have been drafted in the same group – Pool B – along with Belgium and Germany. India, meanwhile, is in Pool D and will take on England, Wales, and Spain.