Pakistan in doubt for hockey Asia Cup after reports of visa denial
The ongoing situation following the Pahalgam terror attack has put a question mark over Pakistan's participation in tournaments to be hosted by India later this year. The men's Asia Cup hockey in Rajgir from August 27-September 7, also a qualifying event for the 2026 World Cup, is the most obvious one.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh has insisted that 'no discussions on the issue have been held so far but any decision will be taken only according to government guidelines' with the government having the final authority on the subject. 'We have not thought about it but it is not something we can decide on, we will wait for and abide by whatever the government decides,' Singh added.
Incidentally, Singh is also a vice-president of the Asian Hockey Federation, making him a representative of both the national and continental organisation.
While there is no official word from the AHF, Hockey India or even PHF at the moment, reports from Pakistan have claimed that the team has already been formally refused visas.
If true, it needs to be seen how the FIH and the Asian body move ahead. The FIH, while not directly involved, is keeping a close eye on the developments and sources admitted the international body will have to take a call soon.
More so, since the FIH Junior World Cup is also scheduled to be held in Chennai-Madurai in December. Pakistan had earlier been denied visas for the 2016 JWC as well after the terrorist attack on a military camp with Malaysia stepping in as replacement on the basis of rankings.
Besides hockey, Chennai will also be hosting the WSF World Cup squash in December. The SRFI has also said it is too early at this stage to say anything. The Squash World Cup is a mixed-gender event with the 2023 edition — of eight teams without Pakistan — also held in Chennai.
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