Synopsis
The Pakistan men's hockey team's participation in the Asia Cup in India is uncertain after a deadly attack in Pahalgam. India has revoked visas for all Pakistanis in response, leading to skepticism about the team's visit.Key Takeaways
- Pakistan hockey team's visit to India in doubt.
- India revokes visas for all Pakistanis.
- Asia Cup is crucial for World Cup qualification.
- Pahalgam attack raises tensions between the nations.
- PHF's Rana Mujahid expresses concerns over travel.
Mumbai, April 25 (NationPress) In the wake of a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the loss of 26 lives, the upcoming visit of the Pakistan men's hockey team to India for the Asia Cup in Rajgir is now uncertain due to rising tensions.
The Indian government has reacted to the attack on innocent tourists by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists by canceling visas issued to all Pakistani nationals. This action has created doubt regarding the scheduled visit of the Pakistan hockey team to India for the Asia Cup, set for August, as reported by the Europe-based platform, Telecom Asia Sport.
Pakistan is among the eight teams competing in the Men’s Asia Cup, which is slated to take place in Rajgir, Bihar from August 27 to September 7.
In response to the attack, several prominent figures in India have urged the government to sever all ties with Pakistan, including sporting relations. This has led to concerns in Pakistan regarding whether the Indian government will permit their hockey team to visit for the Asia Cup, as reported by www.telecomasia.net.
The general secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Rana Mujahid, expressed skepticism about the team’s ability to travel to India for the Asia Cup due to the recent developments.
“We maintain good relations with Hockey India, but the team’s visit is a matter for the governments to resolve. We will petition our government, and if they grant approval, we will participate. However, if our request is denied, participation is impossible.
“Given the current circumstances, with the Indian government having revoked visas for all Pakistanis in India, it raises questions about how our team can travel to India. Regardless, we will consult our government regarding the tour,” Mujahid stated from Lahore to www.telecomasia.net.
On the Indian side, the general secretary of Hockey India, Bhola Nath Singh, conveyed to Telecom Asia Sport that his organization will monitor the situation before seeking government approval.
“We have not engaged in discussions about the tournament yet. We will await guidance from our government and will make a decision at the appropriate time,” he remarked.
The Asia Cup holds significance for all participating teams as it serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Pakistani hockey teams have traveled to India for FIH-level events on three occasions since the Champions Trophy in 2014, including the Junior Men's World Cup in Lucknow in 2016, the Hockey World Cup in 2018, and the Junior World Cup in 2021, both held in Bhubaneswar.
