Pakistan and Indian hockey workforce gamers pictured throughout a match. — AFP/FileSituation in India removed from conducive for gamers: govt supply.Aggressive anti-Pakistan narrative in India raises safety considerations.Security, well-being of our athletes stay high precedence,” he adds.
Sources close to the Prime Minister’s Office have confirmed the publication that, after weeks of deliberation, it has been “determined in precept” to not ship the nationwide aspect throughout the border attributable to escalating security considerations and heightened tensions fuelled by an aggressive anti-Pakistan narrative working rampant in sections of the Indian media.
“The situation across the border is far from conducive for our players,” a senior authorities supply disclosed on situation of anonymity.Â
“While the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) was initially advised to wait for things to normalise, the emerging threats, especially targeting the visiting Pakistani squad, have forced the government to reconsider. The safety and well-being of our athletes remain our top priority, and under the prevailing circumstances, we cannot take such a risk”.
The supply additional clarified that though no official communication has but been issued to the PHF, the path from the highest tiers of presidency seems unmistakably clear. “We understand the consequences of non-participation, but the security situation cannot be ignored. A final decision will be conveyed soon,” the official added.
If Pakistan in the end pulls out of the occasion, the repercussions might be dire. Not solely would the inexperienced shirts forfeit essential rating factors, however their path to qualifying for subsequent yr’s FIH Males’s World Cup would develop into considerably steeper.
The Asia Cup acts as an important qualifying occasion, and lacking it could deal a severe blow to the already struggling nationwide workforce’s worldwide standing.
The event has left the PHF in a repair, awaiting a proper phrase from the authorities whereas persevering with preparations amid rising uncertainty. With the clock ticking and the stakes excessive, Pakistan hockey finds itself at a essential crossroads as soon as once more caught between ambition and unavoidable geopolitics.
