PHF wants Asian body to guarantee visa for its team to participate in Asia Cup in India: official
Posted on: May 18, 2025 18:59 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Karachi, west pakistan Hockey Federation wants the continental personify to warrant visas for its detail to take part in the Asia Cup to be held in India from August 27 to September 7, according to an official here.
Pakistan's participation in the tournament, to be held in Rajgir , is in serious doubt because of the tensions between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack, and Hockey India has said it is awaiting a government advisory on the matter.
"It is too early to say anything but we will follow the government's directive on this issue, which has been the case in the past. We can't predict anything right now especially after the recent barbaric Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor that India conducted following that," HI secretary general Bholanath Singh had told PTI.
A senior PHF official said that the Asia Cup was vital for Pakistan as it is a qualifying tournament for next year’s men’s World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.
"We don’t want to lose the opportunity of going to the World Cup via the Asia Cup,” the official said.
“So we believe, one solution could be moving the event from India or Asian Hockey Federation guaranteeing visas for our team,” he added.
The PHF official said there would also be the World Cup qualifying events in early 2026 but the Asia Cup represented a good chance to qualify.
Pakistan didn’t qualify for the last World Cup held in 2023 in India.
Hosts India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Oman and Chinese Taipei are scheduled to participate in the 12th edition of the continental showpiece.
In case Pakistan doesn't get the nod to travel to India, the decision to make the tournament a seven-team affair or bring in a new team to fill the vacant slot, will be entirely in the hands of the Asian Hockey Federation.
"If the government advisory does not give an all clear, then Pakistan won't travel to India. It all depends on the government position at that time," a HI source had said.
"It's very hard to predict right now whether a new team will be added in such a scenario or it will be a seven team tournament. The Asian Hockey Federation will take a call on this," the official said on condition of anonymity.
The last time a Pakistan hockey team did not compete in a multi-nation event in India was the 2016 Junior World Cup, which took place a few months after a terror attack at the Pathankot air base.
Malaysia had replaced the Pakistani team in that event.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.