Pakistan's Participation in Hero Asia Cup Uncertain Amid Tensions Post-Pahalgam Attack

India awaits the government advisory on the participation of Pakistan in the upcoming Rajgir tournament​

New Delhi, May 14 – The participation of Pakistan in the 2025 Hero Asia Cup hockey tournament, set to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7, is now uncertain due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

The tournament qualifies for next year’s Men’s Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. It features eight teams, including hosts India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Oman, and Chinese Taipei.

Hockey India Secretary General Bholanath Singh confirmed that a government directive will determine Pakistan’s participation.

"It is too early to say anything but we will follow the government's directive on this issue, which has been the case in the past," Singh stated.
"We can't predict anything right now especially after the recent barbaric Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor that India conducted following that."

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Security Concerns Post Pahalgam Attack​

Tensions escalated after a terrorist strike in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. In retaliation, India launched 'Operation Sindoor', targeting terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir through missile strikes. Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks, which were successfully intercepted by India's air defence systems. India subsequently targeted military installations in key Pakistani cities, including Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Following the escalation, India revoked visas for all Pakistani nationals and ordered their departure from the country. A ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10 after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations approached his Indian counterpart. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that future engagement with Pakistan would be contingent upon concrete action against terrorism.

Federation Awaits Clarity​

A senior federation official, speaking anonymously, said, “If the government advisory does not give an all-clear, then Pakistan won’t travel to India. It all depends on the government’s position at that time.”

Should Pakistan be barred from attending, the Asian Hockey Federation will decide whether to proceed with six teams or invite a replacement.

“It’s very hard to predict right now whether a new team will be added in such a scenario or it will be a six-team tournament,” the official added.

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Historical Context and Implications​

This wouldn’t be the first time a Pakistani hockey team missed a tournament in India. In 2016, Pakistan was excluded from the Junior World Cup following the Pathankot air base attack. Malaysia took its place in that event.


The current diplomatic strain has also raised doubts about Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Junior World Cup, which is scheduled for November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai.

The Asia Cup is crucial, with the winner earning a direct qualification to the 2026 Hockey World Cup, to be hosted in Wavre, Belgium, and Amstelveen, Netherlands. South Korea, five-time champions, are the defending titleholders, while India and Pakistan are both vying for their fourth title.

The situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on the Indian government's decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the continental showpiece.