Following the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India has taken a stern diplomatic step by revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
The decision has cast serious doubt over Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from 27 August to 7 September.
The eight-nation event is also a qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup, co-hosted by Belgium and Amstelveen, making it a crucial fixture on the international hockey calendar.
Public sentiment in India has turned sharply against any engagement with Pakistan — including in the realm of sport — prompting speculation about whether the Indian government will permit the Pakistani team to enter the country.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) General Secretary Rana Mujahid expressed concern over the situation.
We have good relations with Hockey India, but the team’s visit is a government-to-government issue. We will request our government to allow us to participate. If they approve, we’ll go — but if they decline, there’s no chance. The Indian government has revoked all Pakistani visas; how can our team visit India in such circumstances?
Mujahid speaking to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) from Lahore said
On the Indian side, Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh adopted a wait-and-see stance. "We haven’t had any discussions on the tournament yet. We will await guidance from our government and take a decision at the appropriate time."
Despite the strained relations, Pakistan’s hockey teams have travelled to India on three occasions in the past decade — for the 2014 Champions Trophy, the 2018 Hockey World Cup (both in Bhubaneswar), and the 2021 Junior World Cup in Delhi.
However, with diplomatic tensions running high, this year’s Asia Cup participation remains highly uncertain.