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The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said that if the visa is not guaranteed for its national team, it will demand to exclude the upcoming Asia Cup from India.
Pakistan team threatens India.
Highlights
- Pakistan threatened to exclude the Asia Cup from India.
- The PHF has demanded a guarantee of visa.
- Pakistan expressed concern over the safety of the players.
New Delhi. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said that if the visa is not guaranteed for its national team, it will demand to get the upcoming Asia Cup out of India. According to the continental tournament schedule, the late August and early September are to be held in India. Its winner will get qualification for the World Cup to be held in Europe next year.
A PHF spokesman said that the federation would consider sending its team to the tournament only if the Asian Hockey Federation and local organizers would give written assurance to issue visas. He said, “Despite the tense relations between the two countries, if the visa is guaranteed then we will contact our government for approval to play in India.”
He said, “Whatever instructions will be given by our government, we will follow them but Pakistan’s policy has always been to keep sports and politics separate.” This comment has come in the backdrop of increasing political tension between the two countries.
The PHF also expressed concern over the safety of the players and said that it is the responsibility of the host country to ensure the safety of all the participating teams. Pakistan has failed to qualify for the last two Olympics. The team missed out on making a place in the previous Hockey World Cup as well. It will be interesting to see whether they are able to qualify this year or not.
Contact: satyam.sengar@nw18.com
