Pakistan likely to face exclusion from Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in India

India is reportedly preparing to exclude Pakistan from the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Rajgir, India, during August and September this year. The tournament also serves as a key qualifier for the 2026 Hockey World Cup.

According to media reports, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have increased following the Pahalgam incident. As a result, India had previously refused to issue visas to the Pakistani hockey team and is now expected to prevent their participation in the tournament altogether.

While the Asian Hockey Federation has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, Indian authorities are said to be firm in their stance against allowing Pakistan's presence in the tournament.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has not commented on the situation so far. There has also been no official announcement from the Indian government specifically regarding Pakistan's participation.

Pakistan has a proud history in the Men's Hockey Asia Cup, having won the title three times. The national team has participated in 11 out of 12 editions of the tournament, more than any other team, making the possible exclusion both politically and sportingly significant.