Despite heightened tensions following the June 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 24 Indians, the Indian government has cleared Pakistan’s hockey teams to participate in two major upcoming tournaments — the Asia Cup and the FIH Junior World Cup — both scheduled to be held in India later this year.ld you like to use this.http://www.telecomasia.net
The decision, it is believed, was driven by India’s larger sporting ambitions, particularly its bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. According to top officials, denying Pakistan’s entry would have violated the Olympic Charter, inviting strong objections from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and potentially jeopardising India’s Olympic aspirations.
“We must follow the Olympic Charter and cannot refuse entry to any team. Had the government denied entry to Pakistan, the IOC would have raised serious concerns, which could have damaged our prospects of hosting the 2036 Olympics,” a senior government official confirmed.http://www.telecomasia.net
The Asia Cup will take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7. The Junior World Cup, scheduled from November 28 to December 10, promises high-voltage action as arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to clash in the group stage.
The decision has triggered mixed reactions within the sporting community. Former India goalkeeper and coach Mir Ranjan Negi backed the move, stressing the need to insulate sports from political conflicts.
“When we’re talking about bidding for the 2036 Olympics, we cannot refuse participation of any team, even if it is Pakistan. Sports and politics cannot go together,” Negi said. “I’ve proudly played for the country, but hockey isn’t the same as it used to be. Hockey in Asia needs India-Pakistan matches. These games are in the interest of the sport. Look around — multiple wars are happening globally, but nations still compete. Otherwise, it will kill sport altogether.”
Former India hockey captain Joaquim Carvalho echoed a similar sentiment. “I stand by the government’s decision. If they’ve cleared Pakistan’s participation, I’m sure it was taken after careful thought. If there’s no objection from the government, I welcome Pakistan to play both the Asia Cup and the Junior World Cup,” Carvalho stated.
However, not everyone shares this optimism. A senior player, requesting anonymity, questioned the timing. “It’s not even two months since the Pahalgam attack that killed 24 innocent Indians, and now we are allowing the country believed to be behind it to compete here? This isn’t fair. We shouldn’t bow to IOC pressure,” the player remarked. The Asia Cup in Bihar and the Junior World Cup later this year promise blockbuster India-Pakistan encounters, but the shadow of recent events is likely to loom large both on and off the field.
Read more: Pakistan hockey’s participation in India draws mixed reactions
