Pakistan men's team cleared to participate in Asia Cup hockey
The decision was assured by sports ministry officials on Thursday after clearances were received from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Ministry for the same. 'We are not against any team competing in India in a multinational competition. International sports demand that we cannot back out of competing. But bilaterals are different,' the official said.
There had been speculation on Pakistan's travel for the event due to ongoing tensions between the two countries but the decision is likely to open up further sporting activities in major upcoming competitions including Junior World Cup shooting, World Para Athletics Championships (both in the national capital) and the FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai in December.
Officials, however, stopped short of formally confirming clearances, saying instead that the Pakistan team 'would not be stopped' from travelling. PHF had earlier declared that it would participate, keeping 'sports and politics separate.' Interestingly, both Hockey India representatives and a joint delegation of the sports ministry and IOA met FIH president Tayyab Ikram in Lausanne recently.
Bihar State Sports Authority DG and CEO Raveendran Sankaran, host of the tournament, confirmed the development. 'We have received the mail from Hockey India confirming Pakistan's clearance. It's good for the sport but doesn't change anything for us,' he said.
Hockey India, however, claimed they haven't yet received any official communique from the ministry. 'We are hearing from the media but we have always said that we will abide by any decision and instruction from the government,' HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh said.
Pakistan last travelled to India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, finishing fifth in the six-team competition. The Asia Cup is to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 27-September 7 and is a qualifying event for the 2026 World Cup.
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