Hockey India Confirms Tournament Will Proceed Despite Pakistan's Withdrawal

Following Pakistan's decision to not travel to India for the Asian Champions Trophy, Hockey India's general secretary, Bhola Nath Singh, stated, “The show will go on.”

Just recently, Hockey India had announced that the Pakistan team would be participating in the tournament scheduled to take place in Punjab, including a highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on November 1. However, the Pakistan hockey federation has requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to either relocate the event outside India or arrange for their matches at a neutral site.

“It’s their choice not to come. They had previously confirmed their participation, prompting the host state to prepare accordingly. We learned of their refusal, but Hockey India will not alter the venue or the schedule. If they choose not to participate, we will invite one of the reserve teams, either Oman or Bangladesh,” Bhola Nath informed a local media outlet.

In a statement, Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, explained that the decision was made considering the current delicate relations between the two nations, aiming to ensure the safety of the Pakistani players and staff.

“We did not announce their arrival without prior confirmation. The situation that unfolded afterward remains unclear. Nonetheless, Hockey India has firmly stated that the venue will remain unchanged. We will officially announce a replacement if Pakistan ultimately decides against participating,” Bhola Nath added.