New Delhi: Hockey India is waiting for the consultation of the government, but after the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, it seems difficult to participate in the Hero Asia Cup hockey this year. The Asia Cup will be played in Rajgir, Bihar between August 27 and September 7. Hosts India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Oman and Chinese Tipei have to participate in it. It is also a qualifying tournament of the World Cup to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium next year.
Hockey India general secretary Bholanath Singh told PTI, ‘It is too early to say anything, but we will follow the guidelines of the government as before. Nothing can be said right now. It is difficult to say something after cruel terrorist attacks and operation vermilion in Pahalgam. Right now there is three months in the tournament, but we will follow the advice of the government. There is no doubt in it.
On April 22, 26 Indians were killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, most of which were tourists. After this, the Government of India ordered all Pakistanis to leave the country. After this, India carried out missile attacks on terrorist bases in Pakistan and its occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan in response carried out drone and missile attacks which were thwarted by India’s magnificent air defense system. India destroyed military bases and air defense system in many major cities of Pakistan.
The two countries agreed to the ceasefire on May 10 when the Director General of Pakistan’s military operation contacted the DGMO of India. A source of the federation said, ‘If the government does not approve, the Pakistani team will not come here. All this depends on the attitude of the government.
If Pakistan does not get approval to come to India, then the tournament will be with seven teams or a new team will be called. This decision will take the Asian Hockey Federation. An official said, ‘It is difficult to say what will be the new team or it will be with seven teams. The Asian Hockey Federation will decide on this.
The Pakistan hockey team did not play the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow last time, which took place only a few months after the Pathankot terror attack. Malaysia was replaced by him.
In the current situation, it is also difficult for Pakistan to play in the Junior World Cup to be held in Chennai and Madurai from 28 November to 10 December. The Asia Cup is also a World Cup qualifier tournament to be held from 14 to 30 August in the Netherlands and Belgium next year.
