Pakistan won’t send hockey teams to India, say government sources

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Pakistan will not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments over security concerns.

PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI – Pakistan will not travel to India for upcoming hockey tournaments over “security” concerns, government sources told AFP on July 12, potentially jeopardising their place at the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

The nuclear-armed neighbours traded the worst violence in decades during a four-day conflict in May that killed 70 people.

Pakistan was due to participate in the Men’s Asia Cup for hockey to be hosted by India in August and September, for which the federation had sought the government’s clearance.

“After the recent war, the security and safety of our hockey players will be at risk,” said a sports ministry source, who asked not to be identified.

Pakistan will also not participate in the Junior World Cup in India in November, the source said.

Once a force in international hockey, with three Olympic gold medals and four world titles, Pakistan have slumped to 15th in the rankings.

Not featuring in the Asia Cup will likely cost Pakistan a place in the 2026 senior World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium.

A second government source also confirmed the decision to AFP.

Pakistan’s foreign office has not responded to