Uncertainty Surrounds Pakistan’s Participation in Upcoming Hockey Tournaments in India
The participation of the Pakistan men’s hockey team in two major international events hosted by India this year remains uncertain. The situation has raised concerns, especially after recent cross-border tensions between the two nations. Dilip Tirkey, former captain and current president of Hockey India, has confirmed that the governing body has not yet received any official clearance from the Indian government regarding the visit of the Pakistani team.
Tirkey addressed these concerns during a recent statement, emphasizing the significance of the matches between India and Pakistan. He mentioned that such games attract global attention, and both the Asia Cup and the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup will feature Pakistan as participants. However, he also highlighted that no formal approval has been granted so far. “Once we receive the necessary clearance, we will proceed accordingly,” he said.
India is set to host the Asia Cup from August 29 to September 7 at the newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar. The tournament will see participation from several countries, including Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Oman, and Chinese Taipei. In addition to Pakistan, the Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup is scheduled for November 28 to December 10 in Tamil Nadu. The teams are divided into pools, with India and Pakistan placed in Pool B alongside Chile and Switzerland.
This uncertainty comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, which escalated earlier this year. The last time the Pakistan men’s hockey team visited India was for the Hockey World Cup in 2018. Since then, there have been no major bilateral sporting events between the two nations.
The question of whether the Pakistan men’s cricket team will also travel to India for the Asia Cup remains unanswered. This event, which is set to be hosted by India later this year, has not yet seen any confirmation about the participation of the Pakistani cricket squad.
In February of this year, the Indian cricket team did not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, opting instead to play all their matches at a neutral venue in Dubai. This decision reflected the ongoing diplomatic challenges between the two countries. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that a hybrid model will be used for all International Cricket Council (ICC) events during the 2024–2027 cycle, which will be held in either India or Pakistan.
As the dates for the upcoming hockey tournaments draw closer, the lack of clarity regarding Pakistan’s participation continues to create uncertainty. While the sports community eagerly awaits updates, the broader geopolitical situation remains a key factor influencing these decisions. The outcome will likely depend on the resolution of tensions and the willingness of both nations to engage in peaceful competition.
