Pakistan hockey team awaits government clearance to play in Asian Championship Trophy in India

File photo: Pakistan skipped the Asia Cup last year that was held in India due to the tense political tensions between the two countries. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Pakistan’s hockey team has yet to get its clearance from its government to participate in the men’s Asian Champions Trophy that is set to be held in India this year, as said by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Wednesday.

The Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Punjab’s Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5.

A senior Pakistan Hockey Federation official rejected the statement published by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann that Pakistan’s side had confirmed its participation in the Asian Champions Trophy.

He said that the government’s prior approval was currently required in both countries before teams could be sent to international events, including multi-team tournaments.

“We will first seek the government’s advice on whether we should send the team to India and then clearance is required to apply for visas for India,” the official said.

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He also noted that in the past, the Indian High Commission had not cooperated on the matter of issuing visas to Pakistan hockey players and officials for events.

“So first let us get permission from the government on sending the team to India and then we will apply for visas,” he added.

India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and Korea are among the participating nations in the premier regional event.

Pakistan skipped the Asia Cup last year that was held in India due to the tense political tensions between the two countries.