Pakistan hockey team's Asia Cup participation still in limbo

Pakistan’s participation in the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in India later this month still remains doubtful, as relevant authorities are yet to provide clarity on a matter that demands prompt action.

Indian media reports suggest that Pakistan has withdrawn from the continental event set to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7.

According to one Indian web portal the announcement was made public on Wednesday just weeks ahead of the tournament and was reportedly due to security concerns.

The portal further claimed that although the Indian government had assured travel clearance and visa facilitation, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) communicated to the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) about withdrawing from the tournament.

“As a result, Hockey India has now approached Bangladesh as a potential replacement,” the portal reported.

The development is seen as a significant setback for Pakistan, particularly because the Asia Cup serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup.

PHF's stance

However, a senior PHF official told Nukta on Monday that no final decision has been made yet as it depends entirely on the government.

“We are waiting for the government’s decision. If they instruct us to send the team, we will go. If they advise against it, we will comply. A team cannot travel without a state-issued No Objection Certificate (NOC)," the official said.

When pressed for a timeline the official said they expect a final decision by the end of the week.

Asked whether Pakistan has requested the AHF and FIH to consider relocating the event to a neutral venue the official confirmed: “Yes, it can be done. We are in touch with the FIH and they understand the complexities of India-Pakistan relations.”

PSB's verdict

Meanwhile a source in the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) told Nukta that the team will not be traveling to India. “We have already communicated the government’s decision to the PHF."

When asked for evidence the source cited a circular already issued. Although the circular does not explicitly mention hockey the source insisted it was specifically addressed to the PHF.

The circular, issued by the PSB on July 25, states: “Keeping in view the prevailing security concerns, the PSB Board in its 34th meeting held on July 23, 2025, has decided that no National Sports Federation (NSF) shall commit to participate in any sporting event in India without prior consultation with the Pakistan Sports Board.”

Despite this, the PHF maintains that it hasn’t received any official written directive from the government regarding the Asia Cup.