7 days ago
Pakistan pulls out of Hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir
The Pakistan men's hockey team will not be taking part in the Asia Cup to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7, according to a Hockey India official.
Speaking to Sportstar on Wednesday, an official from Hockey India said that even though the Indian Government was willing to provide visas to Pakistan, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) refused, citing security reasons.
'In fact, PHF has written a letter to Asian Hockey Federation on Wednesday, saying that it won't be able to complete in the Asia Cup due to security reasons. We have invited Bangladesh now,' the source said.
Pakistan's participation in the competition — a qualifying event for the 2026 World Cup — had been uncertain given the continued tensions between the two nations, with the PHF making it clear that it had security concerns and even suggesting moving the tournament elsewhere as an option.
This was despite the Indian government's assurances in early July that no Pakistan team would be stopped from travelling to India.
Officials had claimed as late as July-end that the Pakistan team had already applied for visas. However, the Pakistan government had recently ordered that no invitation to travel to India should be accepted by any sports federation without its explicit approval.
The decision also casts a shadow on Pakistan's participation in the Junior World Cup to be held in Chennai and Madurai in November-December. Pakistan had also missed out on the JWC in 2016 – which India won – after the Pathankot and Uri terror attacks. Interestingly, Pakistan last travelled to India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, finishing fifth in the six-team competition.
(with inputs from Uthra Ganesan).
