IND vs PAK: Pakistan pull out of Hockey Asia Cup in India citing security concerns, say reports

The Hockey Asia Cup 2025 will start from August 29 in Rajgir, Bihar.

Pakistan have reportedly turned down the FIH’s invitation to participate in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7, citing security concerns.

The tournament, which will also serve as a qualifier for the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, was expected to feature Pakistan. However, according to reports, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) informed the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) in a letter on Wednesday that it would not be able to participate due to security reasons.

Given the border tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has suspended bilateral ties with its neighboring country.

However, as reported by The Hindu, the Indian government was still prepared to issue visas to the Pakistan national hockey team to participate in the tournament. Despite that, the PHF has now decided not to travel to India due to security concerns.

As a result of the withdrawal, the Bangladesh hockey team has been invited to take Pakistan’s place, the report added.

Also Read: India to tour Australia for four-match hockey series ahead of Asia Cup 2025

“PHF has written a letter to the Asian Hockey Federation on Wednesday saying that it won’t be able to compete in the Asia Cup due to security reasons. We have invited Bangladesh now,” a Hockey India official told The Hindu.

With Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Asia Cup, there is now uncertainty over their participation in the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai in November.

The Hockey Asia Cup 2025 features eight teams including India, Japan, Korea, China, and Malaysia.

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