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Pakistan Set to Skip Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in India
Pakistan may not send its hockey team to a tournament in India.
Pakistan's hockey federation says it is worried about the team's safety.
It asked for the event, or Pakistan's matches, to be held at a neutral place.
Hockey India said the tournament would stay at its planned locations.
If Pakistan withdraws, Bangladesh is expected to take its place.
The tournament is planned for October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali.
Pakistan's hockey chief said the country still wants to play international hockey, including against India.
India is the defending champion.
Pakistan is likely to withdraw from the Men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, with the PHF citing security concerns.
The PHF asked for a neutral venue or neutral venues for Pakistan's matches, but Hockey India declined and said the tournament would proceed as planned.
Bangladesh is expected to replace Pakistan in the six-team event; the Asian Hockey Federation could announce a replacement on Friday.
India is scheduled to host the tournament from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali.
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said player and official safety was the priority, while stressing Pakistan's commitment to international hockey.
- Who
- The Pakistan Hockey Federation, Pakistan's men's hockey team, Hockey India, and the Asian Hockey Federation; Bangladesh may replace Pakistan.
- What
- Pakistan has decided not to send its team under current circumstances and is likely to withdraw from the tournament.
- Where
- Jalandhar and Mohali, India.
- When
- The tournament is scheduled for October 27 to November 5; the report is dated October 8.
- Why
- The Pakistan Hockey Federation cited security concerns and the safety of players and officials.
Pakistan Hockey Federation
Hockey India
Venue and participation
Pakistan Hockey Federation
The PHF sought a neutral venue for the tournament or neutral venues for Pakistan's matches, citing security concerns.
Hockey India
Hockey India did not agree to the request and confirmed the tournament would proceed at the planned venues.
Safety and sporting ties
Pakistan Hockey Federation
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani said safety was the federation's main concern, while also saying Pakistan remains committed to international hockey and that sport should not be affected by political issues.
Hockey India
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Pakistan was expected to participate and that neighbouring countries can compete in multinational sporting events; he distinguished these from bilateral contests.
Key facts
- Tournament
- Men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy
- Scheduled dates
- October 27 to November 5
- Planned venues
- Jalandhar and Mohali, India
- Pakistan's stated concern
- Security and the safety of players and officials
- Possible replacement
- Bangladesh
- Tournament size
- Six teams
- Defending champion
- India
Sources
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