In a big turn of event, Sports Tak has learnt that Pakistan senior and junior men's hockey teams have been granted official clearance to travel to India for upcoming showpiece tournaments, Asia Cup and Junior Hockey World Cup. Sources within the Indian Sports Ministry have confirmed that the teams will participate in the Asia Cup and the Junior Hockey World Cup, respectively, marking a notable moment for sporting ties between the two nations.
The confirmation comes after the proposal received the necessary approvals from multiple key departments of the Indian government. According to ministry sources, the clearance was a collaborative decision, with formal consent given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of External affairs (MEA), and the Sports Ministry, ensuring all diplomatic and security protocols have been addressed for the visiting teams.
“We are not against any team competing in India in a multi-national competition. But bilateral is different,” a ministry source said.
The upcoming Asia Cup is slated to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7. Earlier, there was some uncertainty regarding Pakistan's participation in the tournament due to existing political tensions between the two nations. However, officials have since clarified that there will be no restrictions preventing Pakistan from participating in the Asia Cup and Junior Hockey World Cup.
Cricket enthusiasts can anticipate multiple encounters between India and Pakistan in the near future. Following their expected face-off during the Asia Cup, the two teams are also potentially slated to compete against each other at the Junior World Cup later this year, which is also scheduled to be hosted in India. Furthermore, if Pakistan confirms its return to the FIH Pro League, there is a possibility of additional matches between the two sides in the lead-up to the Asian Games and the World Cup, assuming both nations successfully qualify for these prestigious events.
The relationship between India and Pakistan experienced a significant downturn following the terror attack in Pahalgam during April. In response to this attack, India took actions such as revoking the Indus Water Treaty and subsequently launching Operation Sindoor on May 7. The following three days witnessed a military escalation from both countries before they ultimately agreed to a ceasefire.