ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s hockey team is set to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7.
A reliable source informed that Pakistan’s 31-member hockey squad has received clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs to take part in the Asia Cup. This development marks a significant step in Pakistan-India sports relations, especially amid recent geopolitical tensions.
The Asia Cup will be hosted in Rajgir, Bihar, while the Junior World Cup is slated for venues in Chennai and Madurai. Besides hockey, the two nations are also expected to face off in cricket during the Asia Cup; however, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to consult with the government on this matter.
Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained since the terror attack in Pahalgam in April, where 26 tourists were killed in Jammu & Kashmir. India responded with Operation Sindoor in May, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, which escalated military tensions between the two countries.
Despite these challenges, the upcoming sporting events highlight a continued effort to maintain engagement and foster sportsmanship amidst complex political dynamics.
