Pakistan Hockey Team Cleared to Compete in Asia Cup 2025 in India: Sports Ministry Source

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New Delhi, July 3: In a significant development ahead of next month's Asia Cup hockey tournament, a top source in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports confirmed on Thursday (July 3) that the Pakistan men's hockey team will be allowed to participate in the event, which is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 27 to September 7.

"We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national competition. But bilateral is different," the ministry source informed PTI, clarifying that the government's policy does not object to teams from neighbouring countries participating in international events hosted on Indian soil, as long as the event involves multiple nations.

The statement comes amid speculation surrounding Pakistan's participation, given the strained diplomatic ties between the two countries. However, officials have drawn a clear line between multilateral sporting engagements and bilateral series, the latter of which have remained suspended across most sports due to political tensions.

This green light for Pakistan's participation reinforces India's position as a willing host of global sporting events, committed to the spirit of international competition. It also aligns with the Asian Hockey Federation's inclusive approach to strengthening the game across the continent, regardless of geopolitical challenges.

The Asia Cup in Rajgir will feature top hockey nations from across Asia, with stakes high as it will serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. Hosts India, along with defending champions South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and Pakistan are among the major teams expected to compete.

This will be the first major international hockey tournament to be held in Rajgir, a city being developed as a sports hub in Bihar. State authorities are working closely with Hockey India and central sports bodies to ensure world-class facilities and security arrangements for all participating teams.

While no formal statement has yet been issued by either Hockey India or the Pakistan Hockey Federation, the latest assurance from the sports ministry is expected to pave the way for smooth preparations by both camps.

The last time Pakistan played in a hockey tournament in India was during the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey 2023 in Chennai. Hosts India emerged as champions in the competition while Pakistan finished fifth.