Three Pakistan hockey players and a physiotherapist have been banned for life by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for attempting to seek asylum in Europe. The individuals involved are Murtaza Yaqoob, Ihtesham Aslam, Abdur Rahman, and physiotherapist Waqas.
3 Pakistani hockey players and physiotherapist banned for life
PHF secretary-general Rana Mujahid confirmed on Thursday, August 29 that the four individuals had traveled to the Netherlands and Poland last month for the Nations Cup without informing the federation of their intentions. Their actions have resulted in a lifetime ban from the sport.
“When the team returned home and we announced a training camp for the Asian Champions Trophy, the three informed us that due to domestic issues they wouldn’t be able to attend the camp,” Mujahid said, as quoted by Sports Star.
“Later we came to know that they had flown out to Holland once again on the same Schengen visas issued to the team and sought political asylum there,” he added.
Rana Mujahid, the PHF secretary-general, expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that it would likely make it challenging for Pakistan's hockey team to obtain visas for future international competitions in Europe. He also announced that the PHF Congress had approved a lifetime ban for the individuals involved and requested the PHF president to work with the Pakistan consulate to bring them back to Pakistan for disciplinary proceedings.
“We have already notified the interior and foreign ministries for further action,” he added.
The former Olympian acknowledged that the PHF faced financial difficulties, leading to delays in travel allowances and daily subsistence payments for the players. However, he emphasized that these challenges did not justify abandoning the national team or tarnishing the country's reputation.
This latest incident is another embarrassment for Pakistan hockey, following the recent reports of players borrowing money to purchase air tickets for the Asian Champions Trophy in China. The team's financial difficulties were underscored by their arduous journey to Hulunbuir City, China, where the Asian Champions Trophy is being held. Due to a canceled flight from Beijing, the team was forced to undertake a challenging 300-kilometer road trip to reach their destination.
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