International hockey returns after 24 years as Pakistan awarded 2027 FIH Nations Cup hosting rights
By Nawaz Gohar ; International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram has officially announced that Pakistan will host the prestigious FIH Nations Cup in the first quarter of 2027, ending a 24-year hiatus of major international hockey tournaments in the country.
The marquee global event will feature 10 international teams from around the world competing on Pakistani turf, marking a pivotal milestone in restoring the nation's stature in world hockey.
The formal announcement was made during an impressive signing ceremony held at the Gun and Country Club in Islamabad, where a formal hosting agreement was inked between the FIH and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The high-profile gathering was attended by senior government leadership, diplomats, and sporting icons, including:
Rana Sanaullah Khan, Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) ; Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting , Wajiha Qamar, Federal Parliamentary Secretary , Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, IPC Secretary and PHF President , Former hockey Olympians, legends, and ambassadors of various countries
The FIH’s decision to award hosting rights for the 10-nation tournament underscores the international sporting community’s growing confidence in Pakistan’s security landscape, organizational capacity, and readiness to stage world-class competitions.
Sports officials noted that hosting the Nations Cup will not only offer local hockey enthusiasts the rare opportunity to witness top-flight, competitive international hockey on home soil, but will also serve as a catalyst for grassroots inspiration and infrastructure modernization across the country.
With the official agreement now signed, the PHF and relevant federal ministries are set to initiate comprehensive logistical and venue preparations ahead of the tournament's kickoff in early 2027—heralding a promising new chapter in the resurgence of Pakistan hockey.
