KUALA LUMPUR – Amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam attack, India has denied visas to Pakistani hockey players, barring them from participating in the Men’s Asia Cup 2025.
Speaking to Scoop from New Delhi, Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) president Dilip Tirkey said the governing body had lobbied the government, which subsequently decided that the country’s involvement in international sport should not come at the cost of its security and dignity.
“This move is consistent with global precedents, including the International Olympic Committee’s decision to bar Russia and Belarus from participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“Likewise, India exercising its sovereign right to deny participation to Pakistan – a state known for sponsoring cross-border terrorism – is both justified and in the national interest.
“We thank the Indian government for supporting our stance on this matter, and we hope that this decision remains in place until there is assurance that our neighbour is a peaceful nation to engage with.
“Until then, we will prevent them not only from participating in the Asia Cup, but in all other hockey tournaments hosted in our country in the coming years.
“We also thank the sponsors of the Asia Cup – the Hero Group, the government of Odisha, the Charles Group (Chennai), and our broadcasters Jio/Hotstar – for aligning their support with our patriotic priorities,” said Tirkey when contacted.
At the same time, Tirkey criticised the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), which sanctions the upcoming Asia Cup, for not responding to their official letter requesting a ban on Pakistan from the tournament.
“Despite Pakistan’s three previous Asia Cup titles and preparations for its 12th appearance, India’s decision reflects a principled stance – especially in the aftermath of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which has shaken the conscience of our nation.
“The silence of the AHF is deeply troubling. As the host nation, we retain the sovereign prerogative to determine our diplomatic and sporting engagements, particularly when national security and public sentiment are at stake.
“We hope the AHF responds promptly and grants approval to exclude them from the tournament. As a governing body, we strongly oppose the presence of their players in our country,” Tirkey added.
The Asia Cup is scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 7 in Rajgir, India, featuring host nation India alongside China, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Oman, and Chinese Taipei.
The tournament holds significant value as it offers a direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup to the champions. – May 9, 2025