Pakistan Hockey Federation threatens India for Asia Cup tournament, says if visa is not guaranteed then…

After the ‘Operation Sindoor’ conducted by the Indian army, there has the political tension between India and Pakistan. Anti-Indian statements are frequently made by Pakistan. In this incident, due to the Asia Cup Hockey, now the Pakistan Hockey Federation has issued a threat statement against India as well. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said that if a visa is not guaranteed for their national team, then it will strongly demand to shift the upcoming tournament from India.

The PHF spokesperson said in this regard that the federation will consider sending its team to the tournament only when the Asian Hockey Federation and the local organizers give a written assurance of issuing visas. He said, despite the tense relations between the two countries, if the visa is guaranteed, we will contact our government for permission to play in India.

He also clarified that whatever instructions our government gives in this regard, we will follow them, but Pakistan's policy has always been to keep sports and politics separate. PHF also raised concerns about the safety of its players during the India tour and said that it is the responsibility of the host country to ensure the safety of all the participating teams. It should be noted here that Pakistan, which could not qualify for the last two Olympics and could not play in the Hockey World Cup, now wants to improve its position in hockey.

The 12th edition of the Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 will be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from 27 August to 7 September 2025 by the Asian Hockey Federation, hosted by India. Six teams (China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea) will participate in this tournament, in which the winning team will qualify for the 2026 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.