Pakistan will host a major International Hockey Federation (FIH) event for the first time in 24 years when Lahore stages the fifth FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 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 while signing the hosting agreement.
The tournament will expand from eight to 10 teams for the first time. Besides Pakistan, Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea and the United States will compete.
Pakistan finished runners-up in the 2024-25 edition and will use the home advantage to chase promotion to the 2027-28 FIH Hockey Pro League. The Nations Cup champion earns a place in that top-tier competition. France, the 2025-26 champion, has already secured promotion and will not play.
Ikram called the Nations Cup a major international event and said its return marks a significant moment for Pakistan and the sport. He promised the FIH’s full support for reviving the game and announced that the FIH has approved Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium as an official High Performance Centre for player development.
He also said Pakistan hockey needs structural and financial reforms. He recommended an independent sports ministry and a better financial model for sports, particularly hockey.
Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan said that the government is taking steps to revive hockey. He promised all possible government support, said the government would resolve the PHF’s interim arrangements and urged former players to back the federation.
Wani said the federation has taken part in international competitions and hired foreign coaches. He acknowledged that Pakistan hockey has declined over the past two decades and said efforts to improve the situation are under way.
“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.
The FIH launched the Nations Cup in 2022 to give emerging hockey nations a merit-based pathway to the Pro League. South Africa won the inaugural tournament in 2022, and New Zealand has won the title twice.
