Asia Cup Drama Unfolds: Pakistan Questions India’s Role Yet Again

This time, the Asia Cup Hockey and the Junior Hockey World Cup will be held in India. In this situation, speculation has started about whether Pakistan will participate in these tournaments. However, according to information received, it has been learned that the Pakistan government is considering not sending its senior and junior teams to India for these events. It is to be noted that Pakistan is scheduled to participate in the Asia Cup to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 27 to September 7. For this, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has sought approval from the government. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan is also scheduled to participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup to be held in Chennai in November-December this year. In this context, a highly-placed source told Telecom Asia Sport that there is no possibility of the Pakistan government led by Shehbaz Sharif allowing the national hockey team to tour India due to the current political situation in the two countries. 

 In this context, let us inform you that after the terrorist attack in Pahalgaon on April 22, the conflict between the two countries began. Sources said that after receiving no clarity from the government, the Pakistan Hockey Federation will request the FIH and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to shift the tournament to a neutral venue like Malaysia or Oman. 

PHF sources said that PHF will try to organize these events outside India. However, the chances of that are very low. Because Malaysia and Oman do not have the necessary funds to tender for these events. Which is about one lakh dollars. 

It is worth noting that Pakistan last visited India in 2023 for the Asian Champions Trophy, where they finished fifth out of 6 teams. India won the competition. There were no untoward incidents during the event. 

In this context, it should be noted that participation in the Asia Cup is considered very important for Pakistan. Because it is through this tournament that Pakistan will qualify to play in next year's World Cup. Therefore, if Pakistan does not participate in this tournament, it may miss out on the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.