Pakistan hockey workforce gamers pictured throughout Asian Champions Trophy. — Fb/@asiahockey/File
ISLAMABAD: The Authorities of Pakistan has determined to not ship the nationwide hockey workforce to India for the upcoming Males’s Asia Cup Hockey Event, citing escalating political tensions and critical safety issues for the gamers, sources reported on Friday.
In response to authorities sources, Pakistan has constantly upheld the precept of retaining sports activities separate from politics. Nonetheless, they declare that India has politicised the sporting area, making a hostile and unsafe setting, significantly for visiting Pakistani athletes.
“Indian media has launched a relentless smear marketing campaign in opposition to Pakistan, whereas extremist teams are overtly issuing threats to our gamers by numerous social media platforms,” stated unnamed authorities supply.
“Given the present geopolitical local weather and the rising dangers to participant security, sending the workforce to India is solely not a viable choice,” the supply added.
Officers additional famous that ultra-nationalist organisations such because the RSS, which is intently affiliated with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Social gathering (BJP), have allegedly used social media to challenge direct threats in opposition to members of the Pakistan hockey workforce.
In a number of cases, photos of Pakistani gamers have been shared on-line with threatening messages.
“It’s deeply unlucky. Regardless of Pakistan’s efforts to maintain sports activities above politics, India has repeatedly politicised sporting occasions. On this setting, the security and dignity of our athletes can’t be assured,” the supply stated.
Additionally they identified inconsistencies in Indian media protection. Whereas early stories indicated that the Indian authorities had granted clearance for Pakistan’s participation, the identical media retailers started broadcasting hostile commentary simply days later, additional heightening issues.
It’s pertinent to say that the Males’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to happen in Rajgir, India, from August 27 to September 7, 2025.
Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai is a senior reporter for Geo Information.
