July 3, 2025: In a significant development for Asian sports diplomacy, Pakistan’s men’s hockey team has been granted clearance to travel to India for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from August 27 to September 7 in Rajgir, Bihar.
According to a source from India’s Ministry of Sports, there is no objection to Pakistan participating in the multinational tournament, marking a positive step amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
“We are not against any team competing in India in a multinational competition. But bilateral is different,” said the ministry official, drawing a clear line between multilateral sporting events and bilateral engagements, which remain suspended.
Asia Cup & Junior World Cup Participation
Pakistan is also expected to participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup, further signaling that sports engagement at the global and continental levels will continue, regardless of diplomatic strains.
The official emphasized the importance of maintaining international sportsmanship:
“International sports demands that we cannot back out from competing. Russia and Ukraine are at war, but they show up at multinational events.”
Cricket Still in Question
When asked about the Asia Cup cricket tournament, expected in September, and whether India will face Pakistan, the official noted that the BCCI has not formally approached the government on the matter:
“We will address this when they approach us.”
🇮🇳🇵🇰 Sporting Context
This decision underscores India’s consistent stance of allowing multinational sporting engagement, despite a freeze on bilateral ties, especially in cricket and hockey. The move is likely to be welcomed by fans, athletes, and sporting bodies hoping to keep international competition insulated from politics.
More updates to follow as the tournament draws near.