Latest news with #AsianHockeyFederation
News18
3 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Pakistan Hockey Threatening To Relocate Upcoming Asia Cup If Visas Aren't Granted To Players
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced plans to request the relocation of the upcoming Asia Cup from India if visas for its national team are not guaranteed. The continental tournament is set to take place in India between late August and early September, with the winner securing a direct qualification spot for next year's World Cup in Europe. A PHF spokesperson stated that the federation would consider participating in the tournament only if the Asian Hockey Federation and local organizers provide written assurance of visa issuance. 'Despite the strained relations between both countries, if visas are guaranteed, we will approach our government for clearance to play in India," he said. 'Whatever directions are given by our government, we will follow them, but Pakistan's policy has always been to keep sports and politics separate." These comments come amidst heightened political tensions between the two nations, which nearly escalated into a full-scale conflict earlier this month. The PHF also expressed concerns regarding player security, emphasizing that it is the host nation's responsibility to ensure the safety of all participating teams.
India Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Pakistan hockey to seek Asia Cup relocation if India fails to assure visas: Report
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said it will seek the relocation of the upcoming Asia Cup from India if visas are not guaranteed for its national team. The continental tournament is scheduled to be held in India between late August and early September, with the winner earning a direct qualification spot for next year's World Cup in Europe.A PHF spokesperson said the federation would consider sending its team to the tournament only if the Asian Hockey Federation and local organisers provided written assurance of visa issuance.'Despite the strained relations between both countries if visas are guaranteed we will approach our government for clearance to play in India,' he said.'Whatever directions are given by our government we will follow them but Pakistan's policy has always been to keep sports and politics apart.'The comments come in the backdrop of heightened political tensions between the two nations, which came close to a full-grown war early this month. The PHF also raised concerns over player security, saying it was the responsibility of the host nation to ensure the safety of all participating which has not qualified for the last two Olympic Games and missed out on the previous Hockey World Cup, is looking to rebuild its standing in the Watch advertisement
NDTV
3 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Pakistan Hockey Federation's Massive Warning To India, Threatens To Seek Asia Cup Relocation If...
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said it will seek the relocation of the upcoming Asia Cup from India if visas are not guaranteed for its national team. The continental tournament is scheduled to be held in India between late August and early September, with the winner earning a direct qualification spot for next year's World Cup in Europe. A PHF spokesperson said the federation would consider sending its team to the tournament only if the Asian Hockey Federation and local organisers provided written assurance of visa issuance. "Despite the strained relations between both countries if visas are guaranteed we will approach our government for clearance to play in India," he said. "Whatever directions are given by our government we will follow them but Pakistan's policy has always been to keep sports and politics apart." The comments come in the backdrop of heightened political tensions between the two nations, which came close to a full-grown war early this month. The PHF also raised concerns over player security, saying it was the responsibility of the host nation to ensure the safety of all participating teams. Pakistan, which has not qualified for the last two Olympic Games and missed out on the previous Hockey World Cup, is looking to rebuild its standing in the sport. Listen to the latest songs, only on
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan hockey captain calls for relocation of 2025 Asia Cup from India
Listen to article Pakistan hockey team captain Imad Shakeel Butt has called for the relocation of the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 from India, citing escalating political tensions between the two countries. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he emphasised the importance of the tournament, which acts as a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. 'The Asia Cup is crucial for us as it's a World Cup qualifying event. Given the current political situation between Pakistan and India, we believe the venue should be reconsidered,' he said. He added that Pakistan's final decision regarding participation would be in line with instructions from the federal government. The 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Rajgir, India, from 27 August to 7 September 2025, under the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). However, concerns over the event's credibility have emerged amid unconfirmed reports suggesting Indian authorities may be planning to exclude Pakistan from the tournament. The issue has intensified in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, which has reportedly resulted in visa denials for the Pakistani squad, putting their participation in jeopardy. Neither the Indian government nor the AHF has issued an official statement on the matter. Meanwhile, the Pakistan team is focusing on its preparations for the upcoming FIH Nations Cup. A strong showing could earn them promotion to the prestigious Pro League. 'Our focus will be sharp from the first match. The players are motivated, and we aim to deliver positive results,' Butt said.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
19-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Pakistan Hockey Federation wants visa guarantee for upcoming Men's Asia Cup in India
Pakistan's participation in the Men's Asia Cup, that will be held in Rajgir, Bihar from 27 August to 7 September this year, appears doubtful following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and the subsequent military conflict between New Delhi and Islamabad. read more The Pakistan men's hockey team has not played on Indian soil since the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy. PTI Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) wants the continental body to guarantee visas for its contingent to participate in the Asia Cup to be held in India from August 27 to September 7, according to an official in Karachi. Pakistan's participation in the tournament, to be held in Rajgir (Bihar), is in serious doubt because of the tensions between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack, and Hockey India (HI) has said it is awaiting a government advisory on the matter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It is too early to say anything but we will follow the government's directive on this issue, which has been the case in the past. We can't predict anything right now especially after the recent barbaric Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor that India conducted following that,' HI secretary general Bholanath Singh had told PTI. Also Read | India cannot play in Asia Cup organised by Pakistani-led ACC, says BCCI: Report A senior PHF official said that the Asia Cup was vital for Pakistan as it is a qualifying tournament for next year's men's World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. 'We don't want to lose the opportunity of going to the World Cup via the Asia Cup,' the official said. 'So we believe, one solution could be moving the event from India or Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) guaranteeing visas for our team,' he added. The PHF official said there would also be the World Cup qualifying events in early 2026 but the Asia Cup represented a good chance to qualify. Pakistan didn't qualify for the last World Cup held in 2023 in India. Hosts India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Oman and Chinese Taipei are scheduled to participate in the 12th edition of the continental showpiece. Also Read | Why Pakistan isn't invited for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup despite finishing runners-up last year STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In case Pakistan doesn't get the nod to travel to India, the decision to make the tournament a seven-team affair or bring in a new team to fill the vacant slot, will be entirely in the hands of the Asian Hockey Federation. 'If the government advisory does not give an all clear, then Pakistan won't travel to India. It all depends on the government position at that time,' a HI source had said. 'It's very hard to predict right now whether a new team will be added in such a scenario or it will be a seven-team tournament. The Asian Hockey Federation will take a call on this,' the official said on condition of anonymity. The last time a Pakistan hockey team did not compete in a multi-nation event in India was the 2016 Junior World Cup, which took place a few months after a terror attack at the Pathankot air base. Malaysia had replaced the Pakistani team in that event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
