The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has officially requested the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to either relocate the men's Asia Championship next month from India or transfer all matches of the Pakistan national hockey team to a neutral venue. This request has been made due to the "sensitive bilateral situation" between the two countries.
Emphasis on Maintaining a Suitable Environment
Mohiyuddin Ahmed Wani, President of PHF and also the Secretary General of the Pakistan Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry, confirmed on Wednesday that this request has been sent to AHF. Wani stated in an official statement that the aim of this action is to ensure a suitable environment for the team and officials of Pakistan.
He added: "The Pakistan Hockey Federation has officially requested the Asian Hockey Federation to change the venue of the men's Asia Championship 2026 or to move all matches of the Pakistan national hockey team to a neutral location."
Commitment to Participate in Competitions
The Pakistan Hockey Federation also clarified that it is committed to participating in this continental competition and is ready to face India, provided that the matches are held in a neutral location. Wani stated: "Pakistan is fully committed to participating in the Asia Championship and international hockey and is ready to play with all member countries of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), including India."
Wani mentioned that the federation hopes AHF will positively consider its proposal to ensure Pakistan's participation in these competitions. This request appears to have been made in accordance with the guidelines of the Pakistan government. Wani also noted that Pakistan's proposed trip to India is subject to government approval, and PHF will respect the government's decision.
This request was made two days after the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, announced that Pakistan would participate in these competitions. However, PHF later clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the team's travel to India.
The Asia Championship is set to take place from October 27 to November 5 in Punjab, with India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea competing. The opening ceremony and all group stage matches will be held from October 27 to November 2 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium. The semi-finals will take place on November 4, and the final on November 5 at the Balbir Singh International Hockey Stadium. The group stage match between Pakistan and India is currently scheduled for November 1 in Jalandhar.
The PHF's request does not imply withdrawal from these competitions, as the federation has explicitly stated that Pakistan is ready to play against India and other FIH member countries at a neutral venue. Pakistan also withdrew from the Youth World Cup in Tamil Nadu last year due to rising tensions between the two countries.
