Despite recent tensions, Pakistan's hockey teams have been cleared to travel to India for the Men's Asia Cup and Junior World Cup. Sources within the Sports Ministry have confirmed that Pakistan's participation will not be impeded, as blocking them from multi-national competitions would violate the Olympic Charter.
The Asia Cup is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7. The Junior World Cup will take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have approved the clearances, and the visa process for the Pakistani players has begun. Hockey India (HI), the host federation, has been informed of the decision.
According to a sports ministry source, India is not against any team competing in a multi-national competition within the country. The source stated that preventing Pakistan from participating would be seen as a violation of the Olympic Charter. The Olympic Charter promotes international peace and cooperation through sports. Barring a nation from participating in international competitions could also negatively impact India's chances of hosting future sporting events.
This decision means that Pakistani athletes will be allowed to participate in other international sports events in India, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Similarly, Indian teams will be allowed to play against Pakistan in neutral venues.
The decision to allow Pakistan's participation underscores the importance of separating politics from sports. It also reflects India's commitment to upholding the principles of the Olympic Charter, which emphasizes inclusiveness and harmony among participating nations, regardless of their political backgrounds. According to sources, had India disallowed Pakistan's participation, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) might have imposed sanctions.
The upcoming Asia Cup in cricket is scheduled for September, and India and Pakistan are in the same group. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to contact the ministry regarding this. The ministry will address any queries once the BCCI approaches them. There is speculation that India and Pakistan will play each other in a round-robin match during the continental tournament, potentially held in the UAE or Sri Lanka, despite India being the original host.
Hockey India communicated with the Indian government a month and a half ago, explaining that denying visas for the Pakistani players might go against international norms. They also noted that it could jeopardize India's bids to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics.
