Pakistan is set to host a major International Hockey Federation (FIH) tournament for the first time in 24 years, with Lahore confirmed as the venue for the fifth edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup, scheduled from February 19 to 28, 2027.
The announcement was made on Friday by FIH President Tayyab Ikram and interim Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani during a ceremony in Islamabad, where the two officials formally signed an agreement for Pakistan to host the international competition.
The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah Khan, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar, lawmakers, former hockey players and ambassadors from several countries.
The 2027 tournament will feature 10 teams for the first time, expanding from the previous eight-team format in an effort to provide more countries with opportunities to compete at a high international level.
Alongside hosts Pakistan, the participating nations will include Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.
Pakistan, who finished runners-up in the 2024-25 edition of the Nations Cup, will be aiming to make the most of home advantage and secure qualification for the 2027-28 FIH Hockey Pro League.
The Nations Cup champions will earn promotion to the Pro League, the top-tier international competition featuring some of the world’s leading hockey teams.
Speaking at the ceremony, FIH President Tayyab Ikram described the return of a major international hockey tournament to Pakistan as a significant milestone for the country and the sport.
He said Pakistan possessed considerable hockey talent and assured the PHF of the international federation’s full support in efforts to promote and revive the game.
Ikram also praised the national team’s performance at the recently concluded Asian Games, expressing optimism about the country’s future in international hockey.
In another important announcement, he confirmed that Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium had been approved as an official FIH High Performance Centre.
The designation is intended to support player development and provide opportunities for improving training standards and competitive performance.
However, the FIH president emphasised that Pakistan hockey required structural and financial reforms to regain its former standing in international competition.
He recommended the establishment of an independent sports ministry and called for improvements in the country’s sports financing model, particularly for hockey.
Ikram said adequate financial investment, effective planning and institutional support could help Pakistan make substantial progress in developing the sport.
In a statement issued following the announcement, the FIH president highlighted Pakistan’s historic contribution to international hockey, describing the country as an important part of the sport’s heritage.
He praised the passion of Pakistani hockey supporters and the country’s distinguished record of producing world-class players and championship-winning teams.
Ikram said bringing a major FIH tournament back to Pakistan reflected the federation’s commitment to expanding hockey’s international presence and supporting national associations seeking greater opportunities to compete at the highest level.
He expressed confidence that the PHF and local authorities would successfully organise a world-class tournament capable of inspiring a new generation of hockey players.
The announcement represents a major opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its hockey infrastructure, welcome international teams and strengthen efforts to revive a sport in which the country has historically enjoyed considerable success.