Pakistan is set to review the security situation in India before deciding whether to send its national hockey team to compete in the upcoming Asia Cup and Junior World Cup. A top government official has stated that the team will not be sent if there are any security threats.
Rana Mashood, who serves as the chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Development and Sports Program, stated that Pakistan will only consider traveling to India for the tournaments if the government is completely satisfied with the security arrangements. Mashood, a former minister, emphasized that the government would thoroughly review the security situation for Pakistani nationals in India and would not risk the safety of its players if it deems the environment unsafe. He also pointed out that "after India's Operation Sindoor, the situation is not safe for Pakistani nationals to travel to India".
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has already sought guidance and permission from relevant ministries regarding the participation of the national teams in these major hockey events scheduled to be held in India. The Asia Cup next month also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.
Rana Mujahid, the secretary-general of PHF, acknowledged that Pakistan has participated in international events in India in the past. However, he noted that the current situation is different, with strained relations between the two countries, so they can only proceed with government clearance. Mujahid added that the PHF is closely monitoring threats made against hockey team players on social media.
The Economic Times reported that Pakistan is evaluating the security conditions in India before deciding whether to send its hockey team for the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup. A government official stated that the team's participation hinges on satisfactory security assurances for Pakistani nationals.
Pragativadi reported that 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. This cautious approach comes in the wake of India's recent Operation Sindoor, which reportedly intensified regional strain and prompted fears for Pakistani nationals traveling across the border.
