Hockey Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan hockey team confirmed that it will not take part in the Asia Cup 2025 to be held in India. The tournament will take place from August 29 to September 7 in the city of Rajgir in Bihar.
Why Pakistan Will Not Visit India For Hockey Asia Cup?
The Indian government had said that it would provide visas to the Pakistani players for the tournament, but the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has refused to travel, citing security concerns.
“It was always unlikely. But now it is confirmed that Pakistan won’t be travelling to India due to security concerns,” a PHF official said.
Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup had been uncertain following military confrontations with India after the Pahalgam terror attack.
India launched Operation Sindoor to targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan after the terrorist attack that killed 26 people.
Despite diplomatic tensions, India was still ready to welcome the Pakistan hockey team, however, the later refused due to security concerns.
Hockey India president Dilik Kumar Tirkey said, ”Asia Cup is a very important tournament in Asian hockey. Pakistan is not coming to this tournament due to security reasons. India never refused them; they are refusing to come all by themselves due to security reasons…The Oman team has also withdrawn due to their personal issues with their government.”
”Pakistan is not playing in the Asia Cup. The Pakistan Hockey Federation itself refused to come due to security reasons. We do not have anything to say,” he added.
Now, Bangladesh is set to replace Pakistan in the Hockey Asia Cup.
Notably, Pakistan is not the only team to have withdrawn from the tournament. Oman is the other country which have pulled out of the Asia Cup 2025. They will be replaced by Kazakhstan.
Asian Hockey Federation President Fumio Ogura said: “The Hero Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 will bring together the very best of Asian hockey. With World Cup qualification on the line, every match will carry enormous importance. We are confident this edition will showcase thrilling competition, inspire millions of fans, and leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Asia.”
Also Read: Hockey India Masters Cup 2025: Teams, Fixtures, Venues, All You Need To Know
Hockey Asia Cup 2025: Teams and Groups
Pool A: India, Japan, China, and Kazakhstan,
Pool B: Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei
