Chairman of the Youth Program, Rana Mashhood, has clarified Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, stating that the event will be held in India. The security situation, however, will be thoroughly reviewed before the team travels.

 

“If we are not satisfied, we will not put the Pakistan team at risk,” he stated.

 

Speaking to a private media outlet on Thursday, Rana Mashhood said, “Just like India failed in Operation Sindoor, our hockey team also wants to defeat India on their own soil.”

 

It merits mention that various social media accounts linked to India’s extremist organisation RSS have openly issued threats to the Pakistan hockey team. Indian media outlets have also started spreading hateful content against Pakistan.

 

According to reports, the Indian government had granted permission for the Pakistan hockey team to visit India, but within just two days, Indian media began its smear campaign. 

 

Along with Indian media, accounts connected to RSS, which is closely associated with Prime Minister Modi’s BJP, have also been sharing threatening messages. Pictures of the Pakistan hockey team are being circulated online with direct threats aimed at the players.

 

The Asia Cup Hockey Tournament is scheduled to take place in India’s city of Rajgur from August 27. However, it remains unclear whether Pakistan will participate in it or if the event will be organised under a hybrid model, similar to the Pakistan-India cricket series.