There is uncertainty over whether the Pakistani team will come to India for the Hockey Asia Cup or not. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22, a war-like situation arose between the two countries. Ceasefire did happen on May 10, but no Pakistani has been given permission to enter India.
The Asia Cup will be played in Rajgir, Bihar from 27 August to 7 September. This is a qualifying tournament for next year’s World Cup. In which the top-8 teams of Asia will participate. Hockey India’s Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh said, ‘It is too early to say whether the Pakistan team will come for the Asia Cup or not. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India’s Operation Sindoor happened just a few days ago. So it is difficult to say anything at this time.
There are still about 3 months left for the tournament to start. We are waiting for peace to prevail. Whatever instructions the government gives, we will follow them. A Hockey India official said, ‘If the government refuses to give entry to Pakistan, then the tournament will be held without them. Everything depends on the government’s decision.’
If Pakistan does not come to India to play, then the decision to hold the tournament without them will be taken entirely by the Asian Hockey Federation. If they want, they can hold a tournament with 7 teams or else some other team can be given a chance in place of Pakistan.
In 2016, after the terrorist attack on Pathankot airbase, the Junior Hockey World Cup was held in India. Even then the Pakistan hockey team did not come to India. Then Malaysia was given entry in the tournament instead of Pakistan.
After the tension between the two countries, it seems difficult for Pakistan to come to India for the Junior Hockey World Cup. The tournament will be played in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Hockey World Cup will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands from 14th to 30th August next year. The team that wins Asia Cup gets direct entry in the World Cup. 5 times champion South Korea is the defending champion. India and Pakistan are waiting for their fourth title.