2 hrs ago
Pakistan Seeks Neutral Venue for Asian Champions Trophy Matches
Pakistan wants its hockey matches against Asian teams to be played somewhere other than India.
Its hockey federation says relations between Pakistan and India are sensitive and that security conditions could make the trip difficult.
The federation asked for either the whole tournament or all of Pakistan’s matches to be moved.
The tournament is planned for October 27 to November 5 in two Indian cities.
Pakistan says it still wants to play hockey against India and the other teams.
However, its government has not yet given permission for the team to travel.
An Indian state leader had earlier said Pakistan’s participation was confirmed.
Pakistan has also skipped some previous hockey events in India because of political and security concerns.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation asked the Asian Hockey Federation to move the tournament or Pakistan’s matches to a neutral venue.
The PHF cited sensitive Pakistan-India relations and security concerns affecting players and officials.
The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5 in Mohali and Jalandhar, India.
A PHF official said Pakistan’s government had not yet cleared the team’s participation or travel to India.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh had earlier said Pakistan would participate.
- Who
- The Pakistan Hockey Federation, led by interim president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, requested the change; the Asian Hockey Federation is to consider it.
- What
- Pakistan asked for the Asian Champions Trophy tournament, or all of its matches, to be moved to a neutral venue.
- Where
- The tournament is scheduled for Mohali and Jalandhar in Punjab, India.
- When
- The request was made on Wednesday; the tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5.
- Why
- The PHF cited sensitive bilateral relations between Pakistan and India, security conditions, and the need for safe and uninterrupted participation.
Pakistan Hockey Federation
Indian Officials and Hockey India Position
Participation status
Pakistan Hockey Federation
The PHF said Pakistan’s government had not yet cleared the team’s travel and that government advice was needed before visas could be sought.
Indian Officials and Hockey India Position
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh had said Pakistan’s participation was confirmed and that India’s sports policy allowed Pakistan to play in multinational events.
Venue and security
Pakistan Hockey Federation
The PHF requested a neutral venue, citing sensitive bilateral relations and security conditions and seeking a safe, dignified environment for players and officials.
Indian Officials and Hockey India Position
The tournament remains scheduled for Mohali and Jalandhar in India; the cited Indian position was that Pakistan could participate in multinational sporting events there.
Sports and politics
Pakistan Hockey Federation
The PHF said it remained committed to playing India and other teams and supported keeping sport separate from politics, while still seeking a neutral venue.
Indian Officials and Hockey India Position
Indian officials’ earlier confirmation of Pakistan’s participation reflected support for its involvement in the multinational tournament in India.
Key facts
- Tournament
- Men’s Asian Champions Trophy
- Scheduled dates
- October 27 to November 5
- Scheduled venues
- Mohali and Jalandhar, Punjab, India
- Pakistan’s request
- Move the entire tournament or all Pakistan matches to a neutral venue
- Participating teams
- India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and Korea
- Clearance status
- A PHF official said Pakistan’s government had not yet cleared the team’s travel to India
- Earlier withdrawals
- Pakistan previously skipped the Asia Cup in India and the FIH Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu, citing security or political concerns
Quotes
Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani
President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation
“The decision has been taken in view of the current sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and the prevailing security conditions, with the aim of ensuring a safe, dignified and conducive environment for the national players and officials.”
theprint.in
“Pakistan remains fully committed to the Asian Champions Trophy and the global promotion of hockey. We are prepared to play against all FIH member nations, including India, and stand firmly by the principle of keeping sports separate from politics.”
telegraphindia.com
A top Pakistan Hockey Federation official
Unnamed senior official of the Pakistan Hockey Federation
“We will first seek the government’s advice on whether we should send the team to India and then clearance is required to apply for visas for India.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Related news
Pakistan’s Asian Champions Trophy Visit Awaits Final Government Clearance
Pakistan Confirms Asian Champions Trophy Attendance, India Clash Set
India’s Cricket Handshake Policy Sparks Debate Over Patriotism
India reportedly agrees to send contingent for 2027 SAF Games
Pakistan Reports India Will Join 2027 South Asian Games
India Wins Asia Cup but Rejects Trophy Presentation
Amandeep Lakra Powers Railways to Hockey Championship Victory
Hockey India Faces Leadership Clash Over Jersey and League Restructuring
