Pakistan to Host FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Lahore in February 2027

Pakistan will stage a major International Hockey Federation (FIH) event for the first time in 24 years. Lahore has been awarded the fifth edition of the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup, to be played from 19 to 28 February 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. The two also signed the hosting agreement there.

Ten teams chasing a Pro League place

This edition will be the first to grow from eight teams to ten, a change that reflects the growing competitiveness of men's hockey and gives more nations exposure to high-level competition. Alongside Pakistan, the field includes Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.

Pakistan finished as runners-up in the 2024-25 edition and will hope to use home advantage to secure promotion. The Nations Cup winners will be promoted to the 2027-28 FIH Hockey Pro League, the top-tier competition for the world's leading hockey nations.

France, the 2025-26 champions, have already earned promotion to the Pro League and will not take part.

Pakistan will be wonderful hosts, and hockey fans will have the opportunity to witness world-class, highly competitive international hockey on home soil,

Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, interim PHF President

FIH promises support but urges reform

Ikram called the Nations Cup a major international event and described its return to Pakistan as a significant moment for the country and the sport. He said Pakistan did not lack hockey talent, assured it of the FIH's full backing for the game's revival and praised the national team's showing at the recently concluded Asian Games.

He also announced that Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium had been approved as an official FIH High Performance Centre, intended to help player development.

Ikram stressed, however, that structural and financial reforms were needed. He recommended an independent sports ministry and a better financial model for sports, particularly hockey, arguing that adequate investment could bring considerable progress. According to reports, he said players needed financial support, modern facilities and internationally qualified coaches, and that India should come to Pakistan to play hockey.

Government and federation respond

Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah Khan said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government were taking steps to revive hockey, which he described as a long-standing source of national identity and pride. He expressed disappointment that lower-ranked sides had beaten the national team by wide margins, but promised all possible government support.

He said the matter of the PHF's interim arrangements would be resolved, and urged former players to back the federation. He also called on the PHF to prepare a comprehensive revival plan. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, State Minister for Education Wajiha Qamar, lawmakers, former players and ambassadors attended the ceremony.

Wani listed the federation's recent steps, including participation in international events and the hiring of foreign coaches. He acknowledged that Pakistan hockey had declined over the past two decades and said efforts to improve the situation were under way. He called the hosting rights a strong sign of international confidence in Pakistan's ability to stage major sporting events.

National Assembly member Zeb Jaffar described the PHF-FIH agreement as a milestone that would help promote hockey.

About the Nations Cup

Launched in 2022, the Nations Cup gives emerging hockey nations high-level competition and a merit-based route to the Pro League. Earlier editions were held in South Africa, Poland and Malaysia.

South Africa won the inaugural event in Potchefstroom in 2022, while New Zealand have won the title twice and will return to Lahore seeking another triumph. The ten-day tournament will bring together teams from five continents.