ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated draw for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup has set the stage for a high-voltage clash as arch-rivals Pakistan and India find themselves grouped together, injecting immediate intensity and global intrigue into the prestigious tournament.
The Green Shirts’ return to the World Cup after an eight-year absence adds further significance, marking a crucial chapter in their quest for revival on hockey’s grandest stage.
Ranked 12th in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) standings, Pakistan have been placed in a challenging Pool D alongside formidable opponents-India, England, and Wales. The group promises fiercely contested encounters, with each side capable of upsetting the balance in what is widely being termed one of the toughest pools of the competition.
Pakistan will play their matches in Holland. The World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30, featuring 16 elite teams battling for supremacy in the quadrennial spectacle. The draw ceremony was attended by key figures in world hockey, including FIH President Tayyab Ikram, along with senior officials, federation heads, and representatives from participating nations, reflecting the global significance of the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Tayyab Ikram emphasized hockey’s enduring role as a unifying force. He expressed optimism about the tournament’s competitive spirit, noting that fans can expect top-tier action and gripping contests as the world’s best teams converge for the coveted title.
Men:
Pool A: Netherlands, Argentina, New Zealand, Japan (playing in the Netherlands)
Pool B: Belgium, Germany, France, Malaysia (playing in Belgium)
Pool C: Australia, Spain, Ireland, South Africa (playing in Belgium)
Pool D: England, India, Pakistan, Wales (playing in the Netherlands)
The draw was done by international hockey legends Naomie van As, Barbara Neelen and Teun de Nooijer, as well as DJ La Fuente, who was announced as Dutch Ambassador for the World Cup during the ceremony.
Others present included FIH Vice-President and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofman, FIH Executive Board Member Erik Cornelissen, Dutch Hockey Federation President Erik Klein Nagelvoort, Belgian Hockey Federation President Patrick Keusters, the captains from the Netherlands (Renée van Laarhoven, Marijn Veenand, Thierry Brinkman and Lars Balk) and Belgium (Charlotte Englebert, Michelle Struijk, Arthur Van Doren and vice-captain Arthur De Sloover), the head coaches from the Netherlands (Raoul Ehren and Jeroen Delmee) and Belgium (Adam Commens and Shane McLeod), representatives from the local authorities, commercial partners and numerous other guests.
