Pakistan likely to be allowed to participate in men's hockey Asia Cup 2025

The Pakistan men's hockey team is likely to be permitted to take part in the upcoming Men's Asia Cup in India later this year, according to a source from the Sports Ministry. This decision follows months of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan along the border.

India is set to host the 2025 Men's Hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7. A ministry official remarked, "We are not opposed to any team participating in multinational tournaments held in India. Bilateral events, however, are a separate matter."

He further explained, "International sports require participation regardless of political circumstances. Even countries at war, like Russia and Ukraine, continue to compete in multinational events."

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Pakistan last toured India in 2023, where they secured fifth place in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. With their participation in the Asia Cup likely, attention now turns to whether the Indian Sports Ministry will extend the same permission to the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the Asia Cup, also scheduled to be hosted in India later this year.