LAHORE / RAWALPINDI — Pakistan will host a major International Hockey Federation (FIH) event after a gap of 24 years, with the fifth edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup scheduled to be held in Lahore 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, where they also formally signed an agreement for the hosting of the 10-team tournament.
The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah Khan, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, State Minister for Education Wajiha Qamar, lawmakers, former hockey players and ambassadors of various countries. The fifth edition of the competition will mark the first expansion from an eight-team to a 10-team format, reflecting the growing competitiveness of international men’s hockey and providing more nations with exposure to high-level competition. Besides hosts Pakistan, Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea and the United States will feature in the tournament.
Pakistan, who finished runners-up in the 2024-25 edition, will be looking to capitalise on home advantage and secure promotion to the 2027-28 FIH Hockey Pro League. The Nations Cup champions will earn a place in the top-tier competition, which brings together the world’s leading hockey nations. Addressing the ceremony, Ikram described the Nations Cup as a major international hockey event and termed its return to Pakistan a significant moment for the country and the sport.