Latest news with #Men'sAsiaCup2025


Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India: govt sources
KARACHI: Pakistan will not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments over 'security' concerns, government sources told AFP on Saturday, potentially jeopardising their place in next year's World Cup. The nuclear-armed neighbours traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people. Pakistan was due to participate in the Men's Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government's clearance. 'After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,' said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified. Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said. Pakistan demands Men's Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India Once a force in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan has slumped to 15th in the rankings. Not featuring in the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in next year's senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP. Pakistan's foreign office has not responded to AFP's request for comment. India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border. Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two countries only meeting each other in multinational events abroad. India refused to visit Pakistan this year when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai. In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will also not send its women's cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026. They agreed instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan's hockey team last toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, finishing fifth amongst six teams.


Hans India
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Pakistan can visit India for Hockey Asia Cup: Sports Ministry sources
New Delhi: Amid the growing uncertainty over Pakistan's participation in the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup in India next month, the Sports Ministry sources have confirmed that their team will be allowed to cross the border for the continental tournament. However, they also added that final approval regarding the same will be issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs. "We have no objection to Pakistan coming to play in the Hockey Asia Cup in India, as it is a multi-national event. However, I must clarify that matters related to visas fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Their decision will be final," said sources from the Sports Ministry. Rajgir, a historic city in Bihar, will host the Men's Asia Cup 2025 from August 29 to September 9 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium. Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan's men's hockey team's participation in the continental tournament was in jeopardy due to strained diplomatic relations between the neighbouring countries. The Men's Asia Cup 2025 will serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, set to be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The winner of the tournament will earn a coveted spot in the World Cup. Moreover, India will also host the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025, which will be played in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. They were grouped with archrivals India in Pool B in the expanded 24-team tournament. Pakistan's men's hockey team last visited India in 2023 when the latter hosted the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian team outclassed Malaysia 4-3 in the final to claim a record fourth title. Pakistan recently participated in the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia, where it finished runners-up to New Zealand, who qualified for the FIH Pro League 2026-27 season.


News18
30-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
HI Contacts Gov: 'Don't Think Pakistan Will Be Allowed In Men's Hockey Asia Cup'
Last Updated: Pakistan's participation in the Men's Hockey Asia Cup in India is uncertain due to the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan's participation in the Men's Asia Cup in India is uncertain due to increased demands for their exclusion following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. According to a Hockey India official, discussions with the government are ongoing, and a final decision is pending. Rajgir, a historic city in Bihar, will host the Men's Asia Cup 2025 from August 29 to September 9 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium. The recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, has put Pakistan's participation in jeopardy. With less than two months remaining for the tournament, Hockey India is still awaiting government clearance for Pakistan's arrival. 'We are in contact with the government, and we will follow whatever instructions it provides. As for the current situation, I don't think the Pakistan team will be allowed to participate," a Hockey India official was quaoted as saying to IANS when asked about the strife-torn nation's participation in the Asia Cup, in August. The Men's Asia Cup 2025 will serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, to be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament winner will secure a spot in the World Cup. India will also host the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Pakistan's participation in the junior event is also in doubt due to calls for their exclusion following the Pahalgam attack. They were grouped with archrivals India in the expanded 24-team tournament. Pakistan's men's hockey team last visited India in 2023 for the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian team defeated Malaysia 4-3 in the final to claim a record fourth title. If everything goes according to plan, the Asia Cup 2025 will feature India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and the UAE. The UAE remains the leading contender to host the tournament. There are discussions about holding the Asia Cup in a hybrid model. Although India is the designated host for the tournament this year, the ACC had previously decided that whenever it is India's or Pakistan's turn to host the Asia Cup, the competition would be held at a neutral venue. First Published: June 30, 2025, 15:12 IST


NDTV
30-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"Don't Think Pakistan Will Be Allowed": Hockey India Official Clears Asia Cup Stance
As Pakistan's participation in the hockey Men's Asia Cup in India is uncertain due to growing calls for their exclusion following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, a Hockey India official said that talks with the government are in progress in the matter, and the final decision will be taken after that. Rajgir, a historic city in Bihar, will host the Men's Asia Cup 2025 from August 29 to September 9 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium. Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Pakistan men's hockey team participation in the continental tournament is in jeopardy. With less than two months left for the tounament, the Hockey India is still awaiting government clearance for Pakistan men's hockey team's arrival in the country. "We are in contact with the government, and we will follow whatever instructions it provides. As for the current situation, I don't think the Pakistan team will be allowed to participate," a Hockey India official told IANS when asked about the strife-torn nation's participation in the Asia Cup, in August. The Men's Asia Cup 2025, will serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, set to be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The winner of the tournament will earn a coveted spot in the World Cup. Moreover, India will also host the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025, which will be played in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Pakistan's participation in the junior event in India is also in doubt due to the groundswell of demand for excluding them in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. They were grouped with archrivals India in the expanded 24-team tournament. Pakistan men's hockey team last visited India in 2023 when the latter hosted the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian team beat Malaysia 4-3 in the final to claim a record fourth title.


Business Recorder
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan to face New Zealand in crucial FIH Nations Cup clash tomorrow
Pakistan will take on New Zealand in their third league fixture of the FIH Nations Cup on Wednesday, aiming to build on the momentum from their recent win over Japan and stay in contention for a top finish in the tournament. The Green Shirts have had a mixed start to their campaign in Kuala Lumpur. Their opening match on June 15 against hosts Malaysia ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw after Pakistan squandered a commanding three-goal lead in the final quarter. In their second outing, however, Pakistan bounced back with a spirited 3-2 victory over Japan in a tightly contested match. Goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Ali Ghazanfar, and Sufyan Khan ensured Pakistan stayed ahead despite persistent pressure from the Japanese side. Japan's Matsumoto Kazumasa and Yamasaki Koji managed to score, but Pakistan's defence held firm in the closing minutes to secure the win. The victory over Japan has provided a much-needed boost to Pakistan's standing in the tournament as they eye a spot in the knockout rounds. Pakistan demands Men's Asia Cup 2025 be moved out of India Head coach Roelant Oltmans praised the team's resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in defending their lead under pressure. In contrast, the draw against Malaysia highlighted both Pakistan's attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. The team had surged ahead with goals from Ahmed Nadeem, Abdul Rehman, and Rana Waheed Ashraf to lead 3-0, but Malaysia staged a remarkable late comeback, scoring three goals in the final quarter to level the match. Pakistan now faces a crucial test against New Zealand, a side known for its physicality and structured play. A win on Wednesday would significantly improve Pakistan's chances of progressing to the semifinals and further boost confidence ahead of upcoming international commitments. The FIH Nations Cup serves as a qualification pathway for teams aspiring to secure a spot in the FIH Pro League.