The tournament, a key qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, is set to kick off on August 29 and features eight teams from across Asia. A senior official from Hockey India confirmed on Monday that Pakistan’s place in the competition remains unconfirmed, and the organisers have approached Bangladesh to fill the potential vacancy
Representational Image (Pic: AFP)
With just days to go before the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey Tournament begins in Rajgir, Bihar, uncertainty looms over Pakistan’s participation, potentially paving the way for Bangladesh to step in as a replacement. The tournament, a key qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, is set to kick off on August 29 and features eight teams from across Asia.
A senior official from Hockey India confirmed on Monday that Pakistan’s place in the competition remains unconfirmed, and the organisers have approached Bangladesh to fill the potential vacancy.
"The Indian government has already said that it is will willing to provide visas to Pakistani players but if they don't want to come to India, it's not our problem. Bangladesh has already been invited to participate in case Pakistan doesn't come but we will have to wait for two more days to get the confirmation," the HI official told PTI when quizzed about the situation.
"Neither Pakistan or Bangladesh have confirmed anything to us till now. But Bangladesh are likely replacement for Pakistan," he added.
The uncertainty stems from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) expressing security concerns regarding travel to India. The concerns have escalated following heightened military tensions between the two countries in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. In response, the Indian government launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the border, further straining diplomatic relations.
In light of the situation, the PHF had even proposed moving the tournament to a neutral venue outside India. However, the organisers have maintained their commitment to holding the event in Rajgir as planned, and preparations are already in full swing.
The Men’s Asia Cup holds significant importance in the continental hockey calendar, serving not only as a prestigious competition but also as a pathway to World Cup qualification. Apart from hosts India, the confirmed participating teams include China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Oman, and Chinese Taipei.
The potential absence of Pakistan, one of the historically strong teams in Asian hockey, would be notable, both in terms of competitive impact and the larger political backdrop. Nonetheless, Hockey India and the Asian Hockey Federation remain focused on ensuring a smooth and successful tournament, regardless of the final lineup.
A formal announcement regarding the eighth team is expected in the coming days, as the tournament edges closer to its much-anticipated opening.
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