New Delhi ( The COW News Digital)In a significant development for regional sports, Pakistan has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Hockey Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, from August 29 to September 7. The claim was made by Hockey India officials, who spoke to Indian media on Wednesday.
According to the officials, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) cited security concerns as the primary reason for not sending their national team to participate in the prestigious continental tournament. The PHF reportedly communicated its decision in an official letter sent to the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
“We have received a formal letter from Pakistan stating that they are unable to participate due to security reasons,” a senior Hockey India official told Indian press. He further added that the Indian government had agreed to grant visas to the Pakistani team, dismissing speculations of any administrative hurdles.
In response to Pakistan’s withdrawal, Hockey India has extended an invitation to Bangladesh to fill the vacant spot in the tournament.
The Asia Cup is considered a crucial tournament in the international hockey calendar, often serving as a qualifier for future global events. Pakistan’s decision to pull out may also impact their international rankings and preparation for other key events.
Meanwhile, doubts have also emerged over Pakistan’s participation in the Junior Hockey World Cup, which is also scheduled to be held in India later this year, between November and December 2025. PHF sources have indicated that the final decision on the junior team’s participation will depend on further security assessments and discussions with international federations.
India and Pakistan have had a historically strained relationship, often spilling over into the realm of sports diplomacy. While both countries have occasionally allowed participation in international tournaments hosted on each other’s soil, political tensions and security concerns have frequently led to last-minute withdrawals and visa complications.
Neither the Pakistan Hockey Federation nor the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued an official public statement as of yet.
This latest withdrawal marks another setback in efforts to normalize sporting ties between the two South Asian neighbors and could impact future collaborations in regional sports development.
