KARACHI:
Pakistan hockey officials and team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt have welcomed reports from India suggesting their national team will be allowed to compete in the upcoming Asia Cup, but stressed that any participation will hinge on approval from Islamabad.
Indian media, citing sports ministry sources, reported that Pakistan’s hockey team will face no hurdles in travelling to India for the tournament, scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7.
According to the Press Trust of India, the Indian sports ministry has already secured permissions from both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs, Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) learnt on Friday.
The Asia Cup is a crucial event for Pakistan hockey, serving as a qualifying tournament for next year’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid struck a cautiously optimistic note when speaking to Telecom Asia Sport. “We have to wait and see to ascertain the credibility, but surely these are positive developments,” Mujahid said. “However, let me make it clearour participation will depend on clearance from the government.”
Given this context, PHF officials had already written to the Asian Hockey Federation and the International Hockey Federation, seeking guarantees that players would receive the necessary visas not only for the Asia Cup but also for the FIH Junior World Cup, which India’s Tamil Nadu state will host in November.
Pakistan head coach Tahir Zaman said he was encouraged by the developments.
“This is good news for not only Pakistan hockey but also for the international game,” Zaman told Telecom Asia Sport. “Our participation will still depend on government clearance, and we look forward to that.”
Zaman added that players have been instructed to stay ready despite the uncertainty. “We are planning to hold a preparation camp for the Asia Cup, and even at this stage, players have been told to keep working on their fitness at home.”
Team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt also welcomed the reports and expressed hope that sporting ties between the two nations could begin to improve.
“We welcome this and hope to get ready for the event as and when we get the permission,” Butt said. Last month, he publicly appealed for the restoration of sporting ties between India and Pakistan.
