The Pakistan hockey team has been withdrawn from the upcoming Asia Cup hockey tournament in India after the country’s interior ministry reportedly denied travel clearance, citing security threats and political tensions.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has now turned to Bangladesh to replace Pakistan for the 12th edition of the continental event, scheduled from 27 August to 7 September in Rajgir, Bihar.
Interior ministry raises red flags over Bihar visit
Sources confirmed to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that Pakistan’s Interior Ministry deemed travel to India too risky, especially after the May military confrontation between the two neighbours.
Pakistan’s interior ministry feels Bihar is dangerous for Pakistan nationals with an extremist government in rule, so they turned down PHF’s request:
PHF denies withdrawal, demands safety guarantees
However, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid insisted that his federation has not officially pulled out, instead putting the onus on AHF.
We have written to the AHF asking them to give us assurance of safety of our players and that India will give visas to our players.
World Cup qualification hopes dashed
Pakistan’s non-participation could have serious repercussions, ruling them out of the qualification race for the 2026 Hockey World Cup to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
The PHF had even urged the AHF to consider relocating the Asia Cup to a neutral venue, but the request was turned down due to a lack of time and the absence of a willing host to cover the USD 100,000 hosting fee.
Junior World Cup participation in doubt
Pakistan’s involvement in the upcoming FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai this November is also under threat given the current diplomatic and security climate.
Notably, Pakistan last travelled to India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, where they finished fifth. That event concluded without any incident, with India emerging champions.
India says it’s ready to host Pakistan
Meanwhile, Indian authorities had been prepared to allow Pakistan’s participation. Reports suggest the Indian sports ministry and Hockey India were aligned on issuing visas and hosting the team.
This readiness was also seen as a strategic move by India to show compliance with the International Olympic Committee’s inclusion standards, critical to its 2036 Summer Olympics bid.
Bangladesh next in line – or Chinese Taipei
Sources also told Telecomasia.net that if Bangladesh refuses to send its team due to its own diplomatic tensions with India, the AHF may turn to Chinese Taipei as the next available replacement.
