New Delhi, July 3, 2025: In a significant development amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, India’s Sports Ministry has indicated that Pakistan’s men’s hockey team will be allowed to participate in the upcoming Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 9.
Sources in the ministry confirmed there was no objection from their side to Pakistan’s participation, citing the multinational nature of the tournament as a key factor.
“We have no objection to Pakistan coming to play in the Hockey Asia Cup in India. However, visa matters fall under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Their decision will be final,” the officials said.
The Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, being hosted at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The event is expected to feature top teams from across Asia, with preparations in Rajgir already underway.
India will also host the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 later this year from November 28 to December 10, across Chennai and Madurai. Pakistan and India have been placed in Pool B of the 24-team tournament, setting the stage for another highly anticipated clash.
Pakistan last toured India in 2023 for the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, where India emerged champions. More recently, Pakistan finished as runners-up to New Zealand in the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia, narrowly missing qualification for the FIH Pro League 2026–27.
