India’s visa stance puts Pakistan men’s hockey Asia Cup participation in doubt

LAHORE: India is believed to have finalized plans to exclude Pakistan from the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, raising concerns over the tournament’s integrity and Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

Scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, in August and September, the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup is a pivotal event for teams seeking a spot in the World Cup. However, diplomatic tensions and security concerns stemming from the Pahalgam incident have reportedly led Indian authorities to deny visas to the Pakistani team, making their participation increasingly uncertain.

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has yet to make an official statement regarding the situation, while the Indian government has refrained from issuing a formal response on the matter. Despite this, sources indicate that authorities in India are firm in their stance against Pakistan’s involvement in the tournament.

Pakistan, a three-time Asia Cup champion, holds an illustrious history in the competition. The national team has competed in 11 of the 12 editions, more than any other nation, solidifying its legacy in continental hockey.