Uncertainty surrounds Pakistan's visit to India for Hockey Asia Cup

The decision on whether the Pakistan hockey team will travel to India for the upcoming Asia Cup remains under review.

"The government is still assessing the situation. Certain matters need to be thoroughly examined and a formal stance will be communicated to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in due course," a state source told Nukta.

The Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7, also serves as a qualifying tournament for next year’s Hockey World Cup.

The PHF has already sought clearance from the federal government and is eagerly awaiting a final decision.

Tensions remain high in the region following a recent military conflict between India and Pakistan and there is a noticeable wave of public outrage in India against Pakistan.

Indian media outlets have raised objections over Pakistan’s potential participation pointing out that if India maintains a strict policy of denying bilateral cricket ties, then why is an exception being made for hockey?

Recent reports in the Indian media, quoting sources from India’s Ministry of Sports, claim that the Indian government has granted permission for Pakistan to compete in both the Asia Cup and the FIH Junior World Cup which is scheduled to be held in Chennai later this year.

Meanwhile, Hockey India has stated that it will follow whatever direction is issued by the Indian government.

"Whatever the Indian government decides we will act accordingly," said Hockey India Secretary General Bholenath Singh during an interview with an Indian TV channel last week.

"We learned through television reports that Pakistan has been cleared to participate in both the Asia Cup and the Junior Hockey World Cup and we are prepared to proceed on that basis," he added.

However, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey clarified that no official communication has yet been received.

"We will follow whatever instructions are issued by the government," he stated.

Sporting ties between India and Pakistan have long been strained and the recent military conflict has pushed diplomatic relations to a new low. The current situation presents a serious challenge for the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) which must navigate the crisis while upholding the spirit of the sport.

Sports have always played a role in promoting peace and athletes often act as ambassadors. However, security concerns can severely impact performance and participation.

Nukta has learned that the PHF remains optimistic and believes there is still sufficient time to prepare.

“There is still time and we will plan our training camp based on how the situation evolves. This tournament is a qualifier and therefore extremely important. But we will follow whatever direction the government gives us,” a PHF source said.

“We expect to receive a decision from the state within a week,” the source added.

Pakistan is also scheduled to participate in the FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai set for November–December.

Even before the recent conflict India has consistently denied No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to its teams traveling to Pakistan, thereby undermining several international events. Notably India refused to send its blind cricket team for the World Cup hosted by Pakistan and also withheld NOCs for its kabaddi and athletics teams that were expected to compete in a bilateral series and the South Asian Cross-Country Championship.

The ICC Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan, was held under a hybrid model, a compromise brokered by the PCB and BCCI allowing both sides to play on neutral venues. This arrangement will remain in place through 2027 for all international events hosted by either country.