(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan’s Akhtar Rasool Urges Neutral Venue for Asia Cup Amid India Tensions
LAHORE: Former Olympian and two-time president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Akhtar Rasool Chaudhary, has recommended that the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in India, be moved to a neutral venue or that Pakistan’s matches be played away from Indian soil due to rising political tensions.
Currently serving as an advisor to the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), Akhtar emphasized the need to prioritize player safety following the recent Pahalgam incident, which has further strained India-Pakistan relations.
“The safety of our players should be the top priority. The AHF must consider shifting the tournament or, at the very least, schedule Pakistan’s fixtures at a neutral location,” said Akhtar during an interview with Dawn on Friday.
🛡️ Calls for Government Assurances
Akhtar noted that while he has not yet been formally consulted in his advisory role at the AHF, he would recommend cautious action if approached.
He also highlighted that the federal government is currently reviewing the situation and will play a crucial role in determining Pakistan’s participation.
“We need formal guarantees from the Indian government to ensure the full security of our contingent. Without such assurances, sending the team would be risky,” he added.
🏆 Asia Cup & World Cup Qualification
While acknowledging the importance of the Asia Cup as a qualifying tournament for the Hockey World Cup, Akhtar reiterated that Pakistan’s participation should not come at the expense of safety.
“The Asia Cup holds significance for World Cup qualification, but hosting it at a neutral venue remains the ideal solution.”
He further advised the PHF to begin training camps regardless of the uncertainty, urging preparation in parallel to government-level discussions.
💬 Criticism of Government Support for Hockey
Expressing concern over the state of national hockey, Akhtar criticized the lack of consistent government support despite Pakistan’s decorated history in the sport.
“We’ve won Olympic medals, World Cups, and Asian titles — but today, that legacy isn’t being backed with adequate resources. Travel and meals alone aren’t enough to revive hockey,” he stated.
Pakistan recently made it to the final of the Nations Cup in Malaysia, following a nine-month gap in international competition — an achievement Akhtar believes reflects untapped potential.
🤝 Proposal for Expert Advisory Committee
To help revive Pakistan’s national sport, Akhtar proposed forming a consultative group of former hockey legends such as:
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Samiullah
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Hasan Sardar
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Islahuddin
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Manzoor-ul-Hasan Sr
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Shahnaz Sheikh
This expert panel could provide actionable insights to rebuild Pakistan’s hockey framework.
📣 PHF Awaits Final Government Decision
In response, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid confirmed that the federation is awaiting government directives before finalizing participation in the Asia Cup.
“We’ve communicated all pros and cons to the federal government and await their final instructions. While we’ve conditionally confirmed participation to the AHF, the final go-ahead depends on Islamabad,” Rana stated.
He added that the PHF remains in constant communication with the AHF and is prepared to adapt based on official decisions.
✅ Summary
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Akhtar Rasool urges the AHF to consider neutral venues for Pakistan’s matches in India.
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Player safety remains a top concern amid political tensions.
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The Asia Cup is critical for World Cup qualification, but security assurances are essential.
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PHF is ready to act but awaits the federal government’s decision.
Stay connected for updates on Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025.
