Asia Cup Hockey: Hockey India president reacts to Pakistan’s possible participation — ‘We are constantly in contact…’

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has said that they will follow the Indian government’s instructions regarding Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025. Relations between the two nations have worsened since the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack in April, which prompted retaliatory action from India under Operation Sindoor.

While a ceasefire agreement has been reached, sporting ties between India and Pakistan are yet to resume, casting doubt over Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in India.

No clarity on Pak hockey team coming to India

The Asia Cup hockey tournament is scheduled to take place from 27 August to 7 September in Bihar’s Rajgir. Eight teams will take part in the Asia Cup, with the winner directly qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

“We are constantly in contact with the government and have apprised them of everything. We will follow whatever the government instructs, and cannot preempt anything at the moment. Once we get that, we will inform the AHF,” Tirkey told Sportstar when asked about Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025.

When asked if Pakistan would be replaced by another team should the government object to their participation, former India captain Dilip Tirkey said that it would be a decision for the Asian Hockey Federation to make.

“This is a continental meet, and AHF will be the right authority to take that call. But that is a hypothetical situation that we cannot comment on till there is any decision by the government,” he reiterated.

Interestingly, India and Pakistan have been drawn together in the same pool for the Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, with the tournament scheduled to take place in Tamil Nadu, India, from 28 November to 10 December 2025.

Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 will also open the doors for the junior team to take part in the World Cup later this year.