Diplomatic strain clouds Pakistan hockey team's entry to India for Asia Cup

Representational Image (Pic: AFP)

The devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and left several others injured, has cast a dark cloud over the upcoming Asia Cup men's hockey tournament scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar.

The heinous act, attributed to militants with alleged 'cross-border linkages', has provoked nationwide outrage in India and intensified diplomatic tensions with Pakistan.

In the wake of the incident, the Indian government has taken a firm stance, revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. This development has introduced a significant degree of uncertainty over Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup, slated to take place from August 27 to September 7, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport, according to DD News.

The Asia Cup is a pivotal tournament, featuring eight competing teams, and serves as a key qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

In light of escalating tensions, many influential voices within India are advocating for a complete cessation of bilateral relations with Pakistan, including sporting engagements. This growing sentiment has fueled speculation in Pakistani media about whether India will permit Pakistan's hockey team to enter the country for the prestigious tournament.

Rana Mujahid, General Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding their team's participation. "We have good relations with Hockey India, but participation in the Asia Cup is a government-to-government matter. We will approach our government for permission. If they grant approval, we will go; if not, there is no possibility," Mujahid said in a statement to Telecom Asia Sport from Lahore.

He further emphasized the practical challenges posed by the current situation, adding, "Given the current situation, with India revoking all Pakistani visas, how can our team visit? That's the reality. We will wait for our government's direction."

On the Indian side, Hockey India is treading cautiously. General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh reiterated that the federation will defer to the central government's decision. "We haven't had any discussions about the tournament yet. We'll wait to hear from the government and decide accordingly," Singh told Telecom Asia Sport.

Historically, Pakistan has participated in FIH-sanctioned events in India thrice over the past decade, the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow, and both the 2018 Men's World Cup and 2021 Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar.