Pakistan unlikely to compete in Asia Cup hockey

ISLAMABAD: In what could be a major setback to Pakistan hockey’s World Cup qualification ambitions, insiders in the corridors of power have revealed that the federal government is strongly leaning towards barring the national team from participating in the upcoming Asia Cup Hockey Championship scheduled to be held in Bihar, India, from August 29.

Sources close to the Prime Minister’s Office have confirmed to The News that after weeks of deliberation, it has been “decided in principle” not to send the national side across the border due to escalating safety concerns and heightened tensions fueled by an aggressive anti-Pakistan narrative running rampant in sections of the Indian media.

“The situation across the border is far from conducive for our players,” a senior government source disclosed on condition of anonymity. “While the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was initially advised to wait for things to normalize, the emerging threats especially targeting the visiting Pakistani squad have forced the government to reconsider. The safety and well-being of our athletes remain our top priority, and under the prevailing circumstances, we cannot take such a risk.” The source further clarified that although no official communication has yet been issued to the PHF, the direction from the top tiers of government appears unmistakably clear. “We understand the consequences of non-participation, but the security situation cannot be ignored. A final decision will be conveyed soon,” the official added.

If Pakistan ultimately pulls out of the event, the repercussions could be dire. Not only would the green shirts forfeit crucial ranking points, but their path to qualifying for next year’s FIH Men’s World Cup would become significantly steeper. The Asia Cup acts as a vital qualifying event and missing it may deal a serious blow to the already struggling national team’s international standing.

The development has left the PHF in a fix, awaiting a formal word from the authorities while continuing preparations amid growing uncertainty. With the clock ticking and the stakes high, Pakistan hockey finds itself at a critical crossroads once again caught between ambition and unavoidable geopolitics.