Sports News: Serious questions have now been raised over Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup hockey tournament to be hosted by India next month. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has formally informed the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), the world body of the sport, that their team will not be able to travel to India due to security reasons.
PHF sent a letter to FIH and AHF
PHF President Tariq Bugti said that he has written a letter to FIH and AHF and informed them about the situation. "We have made it clear that in the current political and regional situation, our team may face serious security risks if they play in India," Bugti said. He further said that the players are also not willing to come to India, which will affect their mental state and focus on the tournament.
Decision on the event now in the hands of FIH and AHF
Bugti said that now it is the responsibility of FIH and AHF to decide how the tournament will be organized in the absence of Pakistan and what decision will be taken regarding their matches.
“We have sought to know from them whether the safety of our players can be guaranteed in India.? Will the players be able to play there fearlessly?” he questioned.
Importance of Asia Cup
It is worth noting that this Asia Cup tournament is also a qualifying competition, which opens the way for entry into the next international hockey competitions. In such a situation, Pakistan's absence will not only affect the competition of the tournament but will also affect their future hockey plans.
Formal announcement from the government awaited
Although there has been no official statement from the Pakistan government on this issue so far, a senior government official recently indicated that the government is in favor of not sending the team to India due to security reasons.
