Hockey: Pakistan government unlikely to allow teams to travel to India for Asia Cup, Junior World Cup, says report

Pakistan’s participation in two upcoming international hockey tournaments in India looks increasingly unlikely due to heightened political tensions between the two countries following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. As per news agency IANS' report, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had sought government clearance to send teams for the Senior Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar (August 27–September 7) and the FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai (November–December). However, a senior official told Telecom Asia Sport, “There is no chance the Shahbaz Sharif-led government will permit the national hockey team in this geo-political situation.” Tensions escalated after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam led to missile and drone exchanges between India and Pakistan in early May. Though the conflict led to a ceasefire, safety concerns remain a key reason behind the likely denial of clearance. Sources said the PHF may appeal to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to move the events to a neutral venue such as Malaysia or Oman. But the chances are slim. “PHF will try to get the events out of India, but there are very slim chances of that coming about as Malaysia and Oman do not have the requisite money to bid for the events, which is close to 100K dollars,” PHF sources said, as quoted by IANS. Pakistan’s Youth Affairs head Rana Mashood said, “We wish that the Pakistan hockey team also defeat India in their den, but after the recent tension, it would not be conducive to send the team to India.” Olympian Hanif Khan added, “After the recent war, Pakistan should not send its team to India because it will not be safe, and we cannot trust India.” Head coach Tahir Zaman said, “Our players are training separately, and we are waiting for government permission. Our preparation will be complete, but it's a government decision which we will follow.”