By Somya Panwar
Pakistan for the first time ever in the history will not be a part of the Asia Cup hockey competition, withdrawing because of security issues. This follows as the elite eight-nation competition begins Friday in Rajgir, an ancient city in India’s northeastern state of Bihar.
Pakistan’s absence from among Asia’s veteran hockey giants is a major milestone for the sport, particularly coming just months after India and Pakistan retreated from the edge of a full-scale war along their border.
Three-time winners and inaugural members of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), Pakistan will be missing this year’s Asia Cup Bangladesh will take their place in Group B.
Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey last week confirmed the news citing concerns of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) about the safety of their team in India. Turkey informed the Indian news agency ANI that due to security reasons, Pakistan will be skipping the tournament. They also stated to the hosts that Pakistan was never declined for the opportunity to play.
Reportedly, in early August of its decision a word to both Hockey India and the AHF was sent.
After the schedule for the tournament was announced last week, their withdrawal was finalized.
The move is made against a backdrop of strained political ties. Only three months ago, India and Pakistan were in their worst crisis since 1999, a four-day war in May in which more than 70 individuals were killed in exchanges of missiles, drones, and artillery before a tenuous truce was established.
There has been speculation from the Indian media after the occurrence that sports organizations could keep away from Pakistan at international events. However, the two nations are still clubbed in the same group for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the Men’s Asia Cup later this year, Pakistan’s games to be played at neutral locations though