Pakistan will officially not participate in the upcoming Hockey Asia Cup scheduled to be held in India, citing security concerns as the primary reason behind the decision, according to Indian media.
According to Indian media outlets, including The Hindu, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) formally informed tournament organisers of its decision to pull out. The PHF reportedly expressed reservations over the security environment in India and has also suggested that the Asian Hockey Federation consider moving the tournament to a neutral venue.
While the Indian government was willing to issue visas to the Pakistani contingent, sources claim the final decision to withhold travel permission came from the Pakistani government, based on its assessment of potential risks involved in sending a national team across the border. Indian reports further suggest that Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Junior World Cup — also to be held in India — is now uncertain as well.
This isn’t the first time geopolitical tensions have cast a shadow over sporting exchanges between the two countries. Over the years, teams from both sides have faced difficulties securing governmental clearance or visas, impacting bilateral and multilateral tournaments alike.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has yet to issue an official press statement regarding its decision about the Asia Cup. However, the PHF had earlier confirmed that all decisions regarding clearance for the team would come from the federal government.
Bangladesh is now expected to take Pakistan’s place in the upcoming tournament.
After missing out on the Asia Cup, Pakistan is expected to turn its full attention to securing its participation in the FIH Hockey Pro League. Still, the absence of one of Asia’s most storied hockey nations adds a political undertone to a tournament that is traditionally fiercely contested.
