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Hockey India has rejected Pakistan’s request to move Asian Champions Trophy games to a neutral venue, stating that participation in the tournament will require travelling to India.
The Pakistan men’s hockey team will have to travel to India in October (Picture credit: FIH)
Hockey India has said that if Pakistan want to play the Asian Champions Trophy, they will have to travel to India, ruling out any chance of changing the venue of the tournament after the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s request for the same.
Citing the ‘sensitive bilateral situation’ for its decision not to travel to India, Pakistan on Wednesday asked the Asian Hockey Federation to move its Asian Champions Trophy games to a neutral venue to ensure the team’s ‘uninterrupted’ participation in the tournament.
Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, who is an Asian Hockey Federation vice-president as well, rejected the request, saying that there would be no change of venue.
“No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue. In the past also Pakistan did this; if they want to play in Asian Champions Trophy, they will have to come to India,” Bhola Nath said while speaking to PTI.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation said that it had sought a neutral venue to ensure the nation’s uninterrupted and full participation in the men’s continental tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Punjab’s Mohali and Jalandhar from October 27 to November 5.
Interim PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said in a statement that he had requested either a shift of the tournament or the relocation of all Pakistan games to a neutral venue.
“The decision has been taken in view of the current sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and the prevailing security conditions, to ensure a safe, dignified and conducive environment for the national players and officials,” Wani said in the statement.
He further said that Pakistan remained committed to taking part in the Asian Champions Trophy and promoting the sport of hockey.
“We are ready to take on India as well as all FIH member nations on the field and remain committed to the principle of keeping sport free from politics,” Wani said.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The Pakistan Hockey Federation requested a neutral venue due to the sensitive bilateral situation and prevailing security conditions between Pakistan and India. Interim PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani stated that the request was made to ensure a safe, dignified, and conducive environment for the national players and officials, allowing for the team’s uninterrupted participation.
Ask News18September 17, 2026, 07:35 IST
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