ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The national hockey team participation in the 2025 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup and the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) Junior Men’s Cup remains unclear as both the events are being hosted by India, according to Pakistan Sports Board spokesperson Khurram Shahzad.
He added that the PSB has formally requested the government of Pakistan to clarify whether whether or not the national hockey team can travel to India to play in the Asia Cup amid the recent escalation between both countries.
“On June 19, the Pakistan Sports Board sent this request to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, which forwarded it to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a final decision,” Shahzad added.
“However, no decision has been taken on this yet.” He also stated that the upcoming Asia Cup is the qualifying event for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
“On June 19, the Pakistan Sports Board sent this request to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, which forwarded it to the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a final decision,” Shahzad said.
Indian media termed the permission by their government as “part of the Indian government’s efforts to keep politics and sports aside”.
Moreover, India if not granted permission to participate would have invited sanctions from the International Olympic Committee, the Indian Media noted.
