Pakistan Pulls Out of Hockey Tournaments in India Over Security Concerns

TDT | Manama

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Pakistan has decided not to send its hockey teams to India for upcoming international tournaments, citing security concerns following recent tensions between the two countries, government sources told AFP on Saturday.

The decision puts Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for next year’s Hockey World Cup at serious risk.

Pakistan was expected to take part in the Men’s Asia Cup scheduled for August and September in India. However, a source from the sports ministry said, “After the recent war, the safety of our players cannot be guaranteed.” The country will also skip the Junior World Cup in India this November.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in May during a deadly four-day conflict that left 70 people dead. In light of these events, the Pakistani government did not grant permission for its teams to travel.

Once a dominant force in world hockey, Pakistan has seen its ranking fall to 15th. Skipping the Asia Cup may cost them a spot in the 2026 World Cup, set to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Another government official confirmed the withdrawal. The Foreign Office has yet to comment officially.

Sporting relations between the two nations have been strained for years, especially after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Since then, India has suspended most bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan. The countries only face each other in neutral venues during global events.

Earlier this year, India refused to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, leading to the final being held in Dubai instead. In response, Pakistan has now decided not to send its women’s cricket team to India for the upcoming 50-over World Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2026. They will instead play those matches in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s men’s hockey team last played in India during the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, where they finished fifth out of six teams.