Will the Pakistan Government Permit Hockey Teams to Compete in India?
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Synopsis
As political tensions escalate, the Pakistan government is likely to deny its hockey teams the opportunity to compete in India for the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup. This decision is influenced by recent violent confrontations between the two countries, raising safety concerns and leading to calls for neutral venues.
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions hindered international sports.
- Pakistan government likely to deny hockey travel.
- Safety concerns after Pahalgam attack.
- PHF may seek neutral venues for competitions.
- Asia Cup is vital for World Cup qualification.
Mumbai, July 11 (NationPress) The government of Pakistan is expected to reject a plea from the hockey federation concerning the participation of senior and junior teams in two significant events in India, primarily due to heightened political tensions following the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan is slated to compete in the Asia Cup, which will take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7, and the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally requested governmental approval for this.
Additionally, the nation is set to take part in the FIH Junior World Cup, scheduled for Chennai later this year in November-December.
According to a senior official speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, “There is virtually no chance that the government led by Shahbaz Sharif will allow the national hockey team to participate in this geo-political climate.”
Insiders indicate that members of the coalition government are concerned for the safety of the team following recent armed confrontations between the two nations. Following a terrorist incident on April 22 in Pahalgam, India responded with missile and drone strikes on May 7.
Pakistan retaliated with air strikes and drone operations before a ceasefire was reached to conclude the four-day conflict.
After receiving a definitive “No” from the government, the Pakistan Hockey Federation is likely to request that the FIH and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) move the events to a more neutral location, such as Malaysia or Oman.
“The PHF will attempt to relocate the events out of India, but the chances are minimal since neither Malaysia nor Oman has the funds to bid for these events, which is nearly 100K dollars,” sources from the PHF commented.
Pakistan last visited India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, where they finished fifth among six teams, with India emerging victorious. Importantly, no incidents occurred during that tournament.
Recent reports have suggested that Indian authorities might be open to allowing Pakistan's participation in these hockey events. Hockey India has also claimed that they have secured permission from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Ministry.
However, following these reports, Indian media has launched critical attacks on the potential approval, leading to significant concerns in Pakistan.
Opposition to sending the hockey team to India has already begun. Rana Mashood, chief of PM Shahbaz’s Youth Affairs program, expressed on Friday, “We hope the Pakistan hockey team can defeat India on their turf, but given the recent tensions, it seems impractical to send the team to India,” during a media session in Karachi.
Mashood holds considerable influence over government sports decisions and previously assisted the Pakistan Hockey Federation in securing forty million rupees to prepare the team for this year’s FIH Nations Cup.
Olympian Hanif Khan stated that Pakistan should participate in a neutral venue. “Given the recent conflict, it is unsafe for Pakistan to send its team to India, and trust is an issue. The PHF must advocate for hosting the event in a neutral location.”
Not participating in these events will have significant consequences for Pakistan, as the Asia Cup serves as a qualifier for next year's World Cup. Pakistan had previously failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup held in India.
The last time Pakistan won the Junior World Cup was during its inaugural edition in 1979.
Head coach of the Pakistan hockey team, Tahir Zaman, mentioned that his players are currently undergoing training. “Our players are training independently, and we await the government’s decision. Our preparation will be thorough, but ultimately, we will adhere to the government's directives.”
Point of View
The decision of the Pakistan government appears prudent. The safety of athletes must take precedence, and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan make travel risky. Sports should promote unity, but the realities of the situation necessitate a cautious approach, ensuring that decisions made are in the best interests of the players and the nation.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Pakistan government denying permission for hockey teams to travel to India?
The government is likely to deny permission due to heightened political tensions following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent military operations between India and Pakistan.
What events are affected by this decision?
The affected events include the Asia Cup scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar, and the FIH Junior World Cup set to take place in Chennai.
What are the concerns regarding team safety?
There are serious safety concerns following recent armed confrontations and terrorist attacks between the two countries, prompting doubts about the security of the Pakistani teams.
Is there a possibility of relocating the events?
The Pakistan Hockey Federation is considering requesting a relocation to a neutral venue, such as Malaysia or Oman, but financial challenges make this unlikely.
How will this decision impact Pakistan's hockey future?
Not participating could significantly affect Pakistan's chances in the Asia Cup, which is a qualifier for next year's World Cup, as well as the country's standing in junior hockey.
