Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 25: The participation of the Pakistan men’s hockey team in the upcoming Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, has been cast into doubt following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead. The attack, attributed to Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, has escalated diplomatic tensions between the two nations, prompting India to revoke all visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
As per a report by Telecom Asia Sport, this retaliatory measure from the Indian government throws uncertainty over Pakistan’s inclusion in the Asia Cup, scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 7. The tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) General Secretary Rana Mujahid acknowledged the severity of the situation, saying that while the PHF maintains cordial relations with Hockey India, participation in the tournament is ultimately a "government-to-government issue."
“We will ask our government for permission. If they agree, we’ll participate. But with the visa ban in place, it looks unlikely. Everything now depends on the official response from our side,” Mujahid said from Lahore.
On the Indian side, Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh confirmed that his federation is monitoring the situation but has not yet initiated any formal discussions with the government regarding the tournament. “We will take a decision at the right time based on what our government advises,” he said.
The Asia Cup holds significant importance as it offers direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
This wouldn't be the first time Pakistan's hockey team has toured India in recent years. They previously participated in the FIH Champions Trophy in 2014, the Junior Men’s World Cup in Lucknow in 2016, and the 2018 and 2021 Hockey World Cups in Bhubaneswar. However, the current climate of heightened hostilities has made a future visit increasingly uncertain.
With emotions running high and calls within India to sever all ties with Pakistan—including sporting events—official clearance for the Pakistani squad’s travel remains in limbo. The final call is now in the hands of both governments.