Government weighs athlete safety amid rising regional tensions; withdrawal could jeopardize World Cup qualification

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Asia Cup Hockey Championship, scheduled to begin in Bihar, India, on August 29, is now in serious doubt as the federal government considers pulling the national team out over mounting security concerns.

Sources close to the Prime Minister’s Office told The News that a decision has “been taken in principle” to bar the men’s hockey team from traveling to India due to the deteriorating political climate and what officials described as an “aggressive anti-Pakistan narrative” in Indian media and public discourse.

“The current environment across the border is far from conducive for the safety of our players,” a senior government official said on condition of anonymity. “We initially hoped conditions would improve, but the emerging threats—particularly those targeting the Pakistani squad—have compelled us to reconsider. The safety and well-being of our athletes remain our top priority.”

While no official notification has yet been issued to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), sources indicate that a clear direction has been communicated informally from the highest levels of government. “We are fully aware of what’s at stake, but the risks involved cannot be dismissed,” the official added. “A final decision will be communicated shortly.”

Social media discourse in India has added to the tension, with users posting inflammatory and threatening remarks in response to the possibility of Pakistan’s team playing on Indian soil.

“No nationalist will accept it. The nation will react — and it won’t be peaceful,” one user, Aditi Sharma, posted on X. Another user, Urvi, wrote: “Letting Pakistan play here is playing with fire. Don’t test the patience of a nation that buries its dead.”

If Pakistan officially withdraws from the Asia Cup, the consequences could be severe. The tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. A no-show would not only cost the team valuable ranking points but also severely undermine their chances of securing a spot in next year’s global competition.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation, caught in the middle of this geopolitical dilemma, remains in limbo—continuing with training camps while awaiting a formal directive. As the tournament’s start date draws near, the federation faces a difficult wait in a scenario that once again sees national sporting ambitions entangled with regional tensions.