As per a statement given by an official from the sports ministry, Pakistan’s hockey team will be allowed to compete in the upcoming Asia Cup to be held in India. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 7 and will be hosted at Rajgir in Bihar.
Furthermore, the statement reports that all necessary approvals regarding the tournament have been secured from both the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Before this statement, Pakistan’s participation was considered highly doubtful due to recent political tensions. However, officials have now clarified that their involvement in the tournament will face no restrictions.
“We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national competition, but bilateral is different”, a ministry official reported, drawing a clear line of difference between multilateral sporting events and direct bilateral sporting ties between two countries.
Their potential clash at the Asia Cup would mark the first time both sides face each other after the Indian hockey squad defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the final group stage match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.
After competing for next month’s Asia Cup, the famous arch-rivals are expected to clash again at the Junior World Cup, which will be held towards the end of the year. The Junior World Cup is also scheduled to be hosted in India.
If Pakistan confirms its return to the Fédération Internationale de Hockey Pro League (FIH Pro League), then the two sides could also potentially meet in additional fixtures ahead of the World Cup, given both nations qualify for the tournament.
The confirmation marks the continuation of electric encounters between the two giants in global hockey, within the framework of international tournaments.