New Delhi: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has threatened to seek relocation of upcoming Asia Cup from India if they do not issue visas for its national team.
A PHF spokesperson on Saturday said that the federation would consider sending its team to the tournament only if the Asian Hockey Federation and the organisers provide them with an assurance of visas for their players.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in Indian between August and September this year and the winner of the continental event will earn a direct qualification spot for next year’s World Cup in Europe. The spokesperson added that the strained relations between both the countries should not be a reason for India not providing visas to the Pakistan players.
‘Despite the strained relations between both countries if visas are guaranteed we will approach our government for clearance to play in India,’ he said.
He further said that Pakistan is keen on keeping sports and politics apart and whatever directions are given by the government they will follow them.
‘Whatever directions are given by our government we will follow them but Pakistan’s policy has always been to keep sports and politics apart.’
Political tensions between India and Pakistan
These comments come in the aftermath of the political tensions between India and Pakistan, which were escalated to a big level which created a war-like situation. This happened after Pakistan sponsored terrorists killed 26 civilians at a tourist spot in Kashmir and Indian retaliated by destroying many terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pok.
Meanwhile, the hockey federation of Pakistan also came up with concerns over player security saying that it is the responsibility of the host nation to ensure the safety of all participating teams and players. Pakistan hockey is aiming to rebuild their standing in the sport after not being able to qualify for the last two Olympic Games and also missing out on the previous Hockey World Cup.