Pakistan Hockey Teams Cleared for Asia Cup and Junior World Cup in India Amid Tense Backdrop

Pakistan’s national and junior hockey teams have received clearance from India’s Ministry of External Affairs to participate in two major international tournaments scheduled in India.

According to a source quoted by Sportstar, “Pakistan’s 31-member hockey team has got clearance from the External Affairs Ministry to participate in the ASIA CUP HOCKEY.” The Asia Cup is set to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7, while the Junior World Cup will follow in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10.

Despite the tense political climate between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor in May, the decision to allow the Pakistani teams entry signals a notable exception to the current diplomatic freeze.

Preparations are in full swing in Rajgir to host the upcoming Asia Cup. “We are also developing our state sports academy hostels and dining spaces. We are upgrading it. We are making each room air-conditioned and providing the menu that is given to us by Hockey India,” said an official involved in the event’s organization.

The official also highlighted comprehensive accommodation arrangements. “We are accommodating as many as possible in the state sports academy and a few in hotels and Nalanda University guesthouses — all in and around the vicinity of the field of play.”

To support the high-profile tournament, infrastructure upgrades are being prioritized. “We have also come up with a second turf just by the side of the earlier turf. That has a floodlight facility. We are ensuring foolproof security by installing CCTV cameras, and of course, deployment of forces wherever it is required,” the official added.

While hockey diplomacy appears to be moving forward, cricket remains in a diplomatic deadlock. India and Pakistan are scheduled to clash in the Asia Cup cricket tournament as well, but the BCCI is yet to approach the ministry for the necessary clearances.

India and Pakistan’s sporting interactions have historically mirrored their geopolitical relations, often acting as either a bridge or a battleground. The decision to allow Pakistan’s hockey teams to participate, despite recent military tensions, may reflect a cautious yet deliberate attempt to keep sports engagement alive, even if selectively.