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The Pakistan hockey team withdraws from Asia Cup 2025 citing security concerns amid heightened political tensions between India and Pakistan. The men’s tournament was scheduled to take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7.
According to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the safety and dignity of its players cannot be compromised under any circumstances. While the Indian government had shown readiness to issue visas, officials stressed that broader realities influenced Pakistan’s stance. Player welfare, they insisted, must come first.
This decision rules Pakistan out of a major Asian hockey tournament. However, the PHF emphasized that it is not a step back but a clear demand for fair and neutral sporting platforms. Federation representatives confirmed their focus remains on preparing the squad for future global events. They aim to do so under secure and supportive conditions.
Bangladesh has replaced Pakistan in the tournament lineup, keeping the eight-team format intact. For Pakistan, though, the withdrawal carries symbolic weight. Officials describe it as a statement underscoring that true competition can only occur when athletes perform without fear or distraction.
Read More: Rashid Latif warns Pakistan ahead of match against India
Pakistan announces futsal squad hunt for AFC Asian Cup 2026
On the other hand, the Pakistan Football Federation is preparing to hold its inaugural national futsal team tryouts. These tryouts are in anticipation of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 Qualifiers.
Open to futsal players from across the nation, the tryouts are scheduled for August 10, 2025. They will be held at the 5th Generation Sports Complex in DHA Phase 8, Lahore. The tryouts will run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Participants are required to bring valid identification, including a passport and CNIC, to qualify for selection.
The technical team of the Pakistan Football Federation will finalize the squad in due course. A training camp is set to commence in the first week of September.
Pakistan has been placed in Group D alongside Iraq, Chinese Taipei, and host nation Saudi Arabia.
The group stage matches will take place in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Pakistan is scheduled to face Iraq on September 20, Saudi Arabia on September 22, and Chinese Taipei on September 24.
