The Pakistan men’s hockey team will not join the 2025 Asia Cup hockey tournament. The event will be held in Rajgir, Bihar, India, from August 29 to September 7, 2025.
This tournament is important because it helps teams qualify for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
Why Is Pakistan Not Playing?
The main reason Pakistan is not coming is safety worries. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said the players might not be safe if they travel to India. Even though the Indian government said they would give visas and keep the players safe, Pakistan still chose not to send its team.
Recently, the Pakistan government also made a new rule. No sports teams from Pakistan can go to India without special permission from the government. So, the PHF wrote a letter to the Asian Hockey Federation saying they cannot come because of these safety concerns.
What Happens Now?
Since Pakistan is not playing, Bangladesh will take their place in the Asia Cup. The tournament will go on as planned, with all the other teams.
A History of Sports and Politics
India and Pakistan have had problems between them for many years. This also affects sports like hockey. In 2023, Pakistan’s hockey team traveled to India to play in a tournament held in Chennai. They finished fifth out of six teams. But after some border issues and new rules this year, Pakistan is worried about safety.
What Do Indian Officials Say?
Hockey India and the Indian government said Pakistan’s team would be safe if they came. They promised to give visas and protect the team. But Pakistan’s hockey leaders still felt it was too risky.
Will Pakistan Play in Future Hockey Events in India?
Because of this, it is not clear if Pakistan’s hockey teams will come to other tournaments in India soon. For example, the Junior World Cup in Chennai and Madurai later this year may be affected.
What Does This Mean?
This shows that when countries do not get along, it can hurt sports too. Many people hope that someday teams from both countries can play together safely and peacefully