Uncertainty continues around Pakistan's participation in Asia Cup hockey
The draw for the Hockey Men's Junior World Cup on Saturday (MJWC) placed India and Pakistan together in the same Pool but the latter's participation remains doubtful. While the MJWC is scheduled to be held in November-December, the Asia Cup in August-September will give a clearer indication of how things might pan out.
As a 2026 World Cup qualifying event, the Asia Cup in Rajgir holds importance for continental teams but ongoing tensions between the two countries mean Pakistan is unlikely to travel to India. Although recent reports in Pakistan have claimed the PHF officials saying they would be participating and are preparing accordingly, there is no confirmation from either the FIH, Asian Hockey Federation or Hockey India.
HI president Dilip Tirkey reiterated that it would follow government directives on the matter and no alternate scenarios are being considered at the moment. 'We are constantly in contact with the government and have appraised them of everything. We will follow whatever the government instructs, cannot pre-empt anything at the moment. Once we get that, we will inform the AHF,' Tirkey told The Hindu.
Asked if the competition would proceed with the remaining seven teams or an alternative team would be invited to replace Pakistan if it doesn't travel, Tirkey insisted it was up to the AHF. 'This is a continental meet and AHF will be the right authority to take that call. But that is a hypothetical situation that we cannot comment on till there is any decision by the government,' he reiterated.
Interestingly, HI secretary general Bholanath Singh, in Laussane for the MJWC draw, is also an AHF vice-president. Any decision on allowing Pakistan to travel for the Asia Cup is likely to reflect on its chances of participation in the MJWC as well.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
FIFA Club World Cup R016: Flamengo vs Bayern live match time, streaming
Bayern Munich face a challenging quarter-final clash against Flamengo on June 30 after finishing second in Group C, following a 1–0 loss to Benfica. That defeat, their first since early April, pushed them onto the tougher side of the draw, with a potential semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain looming. Vincent Kompany had already secured qualification with wins over Auckland City and Boca Juniors, opting to rotate his squad in the heat against Benfica—though that gamble may now prove costly. Flamengo, meanwhile, arrive in top form, topping their group with seven points and looking like one of the tournament's strongest contenders. With key players like De Arrascaeta, Gerson, and Gonzalo Plata returning, and the team firing across all lines, they'll be confident of testing the German giants. While Bayern boast star names like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala, they'll need to be at their best to overcome a Flamengo side full of rhythm and attacking threat. Flamengo Team News Flamengo head into their Club World Cup quarter-final with a nearly full-strength squad, as Nicolás de la Cruz remains their only confirmed absentee. Head coach Tite is expected to recall several first-choice players after rotating heavily in the previous game against LAFC. Midfield trio Gerson, Erick Pulgar, and Jorginho are likely to return to anchor the engine room, while Ayrton Lucas and Léo Pereira will reinforce the defensive line. Gonzalo Plata is also tipped to start on the wing. However, the main spotlight will be on Giorgian De Arrascaeta, the current top scorer in the Brazilian league with nine goals in nine matches, who also found the net on matchday one of this tournament and recently scored for Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. Bayern Munich Team News Bayern Munich are also expected to restore their strongest XI following a rotated line-up on matchday three. Star striker Harry Kane, along with wingers Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman, are set to lead the attack. Jonathan Tah is expected to return in central defence, while creative midfielder Jamal Musiala could make his first start of the tournament. However, Bayern remain without several key defenders—Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito—due to injury, while Eric Dier is unavailable, not being registered in their Club World Cup squad. Despite these absences, Bayern's squad depth gives them plenty of quality options. Flamengo vs Bayern Munich Starting 11: Flamengo Starting 11 (probable): Rossi; Wesley Franca, Danilo, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Jorginho, Gerson; De Arrascaeta, Plata, Luiz Araújo Bayern Munich Starting 11 (probable): Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Guerreiro; Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane FIFA Club World Cup R016: Flamengo vs Bayern Munich – Live Telecast and Streaming Details When will the FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich be played? The FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich will be played on June 30. What time will the FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich begin on June 30? The FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich will kick off at 1:30 AM IST (June 30). What will be the venue for the FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich? The FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich will take place at Hard Rock Stadium, Inter Miami. Where will the live telecast of the FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich be available in India? The live telecast of the FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich will not be available in India. Where will the live streaming of the FIFA Club World Cup R016 match between Flamengo and Bayern Munich be available in India? The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup R016 clash between Flamengo and Bayern Munich will be streamed for free on DAZN's website and app, both in India and across the globe.
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
France's football union slams FIFA Club World Cup; calls it 'massacre' for players
France's Union of Professional Football Players (UNFP) has slammed FIFA's new Club World Cup, calling it a 'massacre' for players already worn out by packed schedules. The tournament has sparked major concerns about the health of players. The UNFP has accused FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, of ignoring the problem. The UNFP expressed their anger against the Club World Cup for pushing players to their limits. They called out FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, saying he's out of touch, living 'in an ivory tower' while players suffer. According to the UNFP, the tournament, which features 32 top teams, is more about money than caring for the sport's stars. 'The incongruity of the situation is not lost on anyone, except, of course, Gianni Infantino and his flatterers,' the UNFP said. The FIFA Club World Cup comes right after an already exhausting season, leaving players with no time to rest. Most countries have rules giving footballers at least three weeks off between seasons, but due to the ongoing tournament, it is not possible. For example, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) stars like Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue went straight from the Champions League to play for France, then to the US for the Club World Cup. This non-stop schedule can lead to burnout and injuries. The timing of the FIFA Club World Cup is causing chaos for clubs like PSG, who are already training for the Ligue 1 season starting in mid-August. Players aren't getting the rest they need, which could impact their performance. The UNFP also pointed out that France's national team might suffer, as coach Didier Deschamps prepares for 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September. 'A delay in preparation that must also worry Didier Deschamps,' the UNFP noted. The UNFP is demanding change by stating, 'It is urgent to stop this massacre game.' They want FIFA to respect players' right to rest and rethink the crowded calendar. The union also questioned Infantino, 'What do you say, Mr. Infantino?" UNFP's fight over the FIFA Club World Cup isn't just about one event, it's about the future of the sport. With legal battles and strike threats already in the air, the UNFP's statement points to FIFA needing to balance making money with keeping players healthy. If they don't, the sport could lose its shine.
India Gazette
4 hours ago
- India Gazette
Ronaldo explains decision behind snubbing
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Portugal's prolific forward Cristiano Ronaldo revealed the reason behind his decision to extend his stay with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and why he turned down 'some offers' from teams that are competing at the ongoing Club World Cup. After his previous deal ran out in Riyadh, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner decided to extend his stay in the Saudi Pro League until 2027. Before agreeing to stay put, Ronaldo was heavily linked to a move away from Al Nassr. The 40-year-old outlined the reason behind his decision to continue with Al Nassr and claimed that the offers he got didn't make sense because he prefers to have a good rest, considering it will be a long season. 'I had some offers to play in the World Cup but I think it didn't make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year,' Ronaldo told Al-Nassr's official media team. 'I want to be ready not only for Al-Nassr but also for the national team. So, this is why I decided to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to anything. And of course, to be in this club, which I love,' he added. Ronaldo will stay with the club well beyond his 42nd birthday. Despite being 40, Ronaldo has shown no signs of decline, considering he led Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title earlier this month, defeating Spain in the final. With 932 goals scored already, he is also aiming to reach 1,000 goals. On the club level, he has 794 goals, while for Portugal, he has found the net 138 times. Even though Ronaldo has won the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al Nassr, he is yet to win the SPL title, as the team finished runners-up in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons and third in the 2024-25 season. (ANI)
