Pakistan’s national men’s hockey teams may skip the upcoming Asia Cup and Junior World Cup in India, depending on the government’s security assessment.
Officials from the Prime Minister’s Youth Development and Sports Program have stated that participation will hinge entirely on whether the situation is deemed safe for Pakistani athletes.
“The government will review the security situation in India for Pakistani nationals, and if it is not satisfied, it will not put any of our players at risk,” said Rana Mashood, former minister and current chairman of the youth development initiative.
This cautious approach comes in the wake of India’s recent Operation Sindoor, which reportedly intensified regional strain and prompted fears for Pakistani nationals travelling across the border. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is currently liaising with relevant ministries to gauge risks before making final arrangements.
PHF secretary-general Rana Mujahid acknowledged that while Pakistan has previously participated in Indian tournaments, current political friction and online threats targeting athletes have created a new set of challenges. “We can only move forward when the government gives us clearance,” he emphasised.
With the Asia Cup doubling as a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, Pakistan’s decision could have implications not just for bilateral sports diplomacy but also its international ranking. Hockey fans across the region now wait anxiously to see whether sports can bridge the diplomatic divide—or whether caution will prevail.
