Pakistan Pulls Out Of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy In India; Bangladesh Likely Replacement

Karachi, October 8: Pakistan is expected to boycott the upcoming Men's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in India, according to local reports. The decision to skip the tournament stems from security concerns raised by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Bangladesh is anticipated to fill Pakistan's spot in the six-team event. The AHF might officially announce the replacement on Friday.

India, set to host the tournament from October 27 to November 5, has chosen venues in Jalandhar and Mohali for the matches. Pakistan had requested for the competition to be relocated to a neutral venue or for their matches to be played at a neutral site. However, Hockey India declined the request and affirmed that the tournament would proceed as planned at the predetermined locations.

In response, the PHF informed the AHF of their withdrawal from the tournament under the prevailing circumstances. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani stated that the federation's decision was influenced by the security situation and the present relations between the two nations, emphasizing the paramount importance of the safety of Pakistan's players and officials.

Despite this setback, Wani affirmed that Pakistan remains committed to international hockey and is willing to compete against other FIH member nations, including India. He stressed that sports should not be impeded by political disputes. This development followed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's earlier assertion that Pakistan would participate in the tournament, highlighting that bilateral sporting events between India and Pakistan are handled uniquely.

Notably, Pakistan had previously pulled out of the Junior World Cup hockey tournament in Tamil Nadu last year, citing tensions between India and Pakistan as the reason for its decision.