The men’s hockey Asia Cup, a 2026 FIH World Cup qualifier, is under cloud as Pakistan’s participation in the tournament, to be held in Bihar, is uncertain following the Pahalgam terror attacks. Earlier this month, Hockey India had confirmed that Pakistan would travel across the border for the continental championship along with South Korea, Malaysia, China and Japan.
However, in the aftermath of the terror attack, which claimed 26 lives and injured many more, the Indian government on Thursday ordered Pakistani nationals to leave the country and revoked visas. The move puts a question mark on Pakistan’s presence at the Asia Cup, which is set to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7.
Asked if the matches involving Pakistan will be played at a neutral venue or whether they will be permitted to compete, a Hockey India source said they will ‘wait and see how the situation evolves over the next few months’. “It is too early for us to take any call. But one thing is clear, we will follow the government’s policy, whatever it may be,” the source said.
The Asia Cup assumes high significance as it is a World Cup qualifier, with the winner earning a direct spot for next year’s mega-event that will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
India and Pakistan are seeking their fourth continental title, with South Korea — also the defending champions — winning the competition five times, more than any other country.
Not just the Asia Cup, Pakistan’s under-23 team is also scheduled to compete in the FIH Junior World Cup, which will be held in Chennai and Madurai towards the end of the year.
It isn’t uncommon for Pakistan’s hockey team to travel to India for tournaments. In the last decade alone, the Green Shirts have made the trip across the border three times — for the 2014 Champions Trophy, 2018 World Cup and 2021 Junior World Cup.
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In 2023, Pakistan’s football team played the South Asian Championship in India whereas India’s tennis players made the trip to Islamabad last year for the Davis Cup.
The frequent tours undertaken by teams from both countries are unlike the situation in cricket, where India and Pakistan have agreed to play matches involving them at neutral venues in ICC events held in either country.
