Islamabad, July 10, 2025: The Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, stated on Thursday that Pakistan’s national men’s hockey team will only travel to India for the upcoming AHF Asia Cup if security arrangements meet the government’s satisfaction.
In an interview, Mashhood emphasized that the government will thoroughly assess the security protocols in place before making a final decision on the team’s participation, as it does not wish to “put the team in danger.”
“We will analyse the security arrangements for the Asia Cup in India,” Mashhood said. “If we are not satisfied, we will not put the Pakistan team at risk.”
He added that the team is eager and motivated to perform well — particularly against arch-rivals India — on their home turf during the prestigious continental tournament.
The statement follows reports in Indian media suggesting that New Delhi is likely to approve Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 27 to September 7.
A source from India’s Sports Ministry, quoted in those reports, stated that preventing Pakistan from participating in a multi-national event would be a violation of the Olympic Charter.
“We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national competition,” the source said. “If we try to stop Pakistan, it would be seen as a violation of the Olympic Charter. Bilateral ties are a separate matter.”
The official added that even countries in conflict, like Russia and Ukraine, continue to compete in international events — a precedent that applies to the current situation as well.
The report further noted that India’s Ministries of Home Affairs (MHA) and External Affairs (MEA) have already granted approval for Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
In addition to the Asia Cup, India is also set to host the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup later this year, with matches scheduled in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10.
