Pakistan won't send hockey teams to India due to 'security concerns': Report

Incessant tensions between India and Pakistan have consistently impacted sports between the two nations. The nuclear-armed neighbors were embroiled in the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May. The action on the border was bound to have a deeper impact, and as a consequence, it has been established that Pakistan will not travel to India for the upcoming hockey tournaments over ‘security’ concerns, government sources told AFP on Saturday. The decision, however, could backfire for Pakistan, as skipping the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup could jeopardise their place in next year’s World Cup.

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Pakistan will not participate in hockey events scheduled to happen in India

Pakistan was due to participate in the Men’s Asia Cup for field hockey to be hosted in Rajgir, Bihar in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government’s clearance.

“After the recent war the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,” said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified.

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Furthermore, Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November.

Once a formidable competitor in the international hockey scene, Pakistan have slumped to 15th in the hockey rankings. Opting out of the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in next year’s senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium. A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP.

Pakistan’s foreign office has not responded to AFP’s request for comment. India stalled all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which it blamed on militants based across the border.

Cricket remains most affected

Cricket has been the most affected sport, with the two countries only meeting each other in multinational events abroad.

India refused to visit Pakistan this year when it hosted the Champions Trophy, forcing the final to be staged on neutral ground in Dubai.

In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan will also not send its women’s cricket team to India for the 50-over World Cup later this year and the T20 World Cup in 2026.

They agreed instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s hockey team last toured India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, finishing fifth among six teams.

(With inputs from AFP)