Pakistan has announced its decision to withdraw from the upcoming Hockey Asia Cup scheduled to be held in India. According to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Pakistan officially boycott Hockey Asia Cup in India due to political and diplomatic reasons.
Officials stated that the decision was made after consultation with government authorities. They explained that current bilateral tensions made participation in the tournament impossible. The PHF added that the safety and dignity of the national team were top priorities.
The Asia Cup is one of the most important events in the hockey calendar, bringing together top teams from across the continent. Pakistan’s absence will be a major setback, as the country has a rich hockey history and has previously won the tournament multiple times.
Sports analysts believe the boycott will impact the spirit of the competition. They also expressed concern that young Pakistani players will miss out on valuable international exposure. However, officials insist that political circumstances left no alternative.
The Indian Hockey Federation has not yet issued a detailed response to the announcement. Organizers confirmed that the tournament will proceed as planned, though Pakistan’s absence will alter the competition format.
Meanwhile, the PHF has announced plans to focus on domestic hockey development. Training camps and national events will be prioritized to prepare players for future tournaments. Officials assured that Pakistan will continue participating in other international events hosted in neutral or friendly countries.
Read Also : Pakistanis Boycott Military-Made Products Amid PTI Crisis Allegations
