(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan to Miss Upcoming Hockey Asia Cup in India Over Security Concerns
Pakistan will not be participating in the upcoming Hockey Asia Cup scheduled to take place in India, with security concerns cited as the primary reason for the withdrawal, according to reports from Indian media.
As per publications like The Hindu, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) officially communicated its decision to the tournament organizers, expressing concerns over the security situation. The PHF has also reportedly suggested that the Asian Hockey Federation consider relocating the event to a neutral venue.
Although the Indian authorities were prepared to issue visas to the Pakistani team, sources indicate that the final call to cancel the tour came from the Pakistani government, following a detailed security assessment. The development has also put Pakistan’s participation in the Junior World Cup — also scheduled in India — into question.
This is not the first time that cross-border sporting events between the two countries have faced challenges due to diplomatic sensitivities. In the past, teams have encountered visa delays or clearance issues, affecting both bilateral and international tournaments.
While an official press release from the PHF is still awaited, the federation had previously stated that all team clearance decisions rest with the federal authorities.
With Pakistan stepping back, Bangladesh is expected to fill the vacant slot in the tournament lineup.
Following this development, Pakistan is likely to focus on preparations for the FIH Hockey Pro League. However, the absence of one of Asia’s most decorated hockey nations will certainly be felt, adding a new dimension to the competition.
