The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has confirmed the national team’s participation in the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy in India, seeking a no-objection certificate from the Pakistan Sports Board to proceed with other formalities. The continental tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Chennai from August 3 to 12, will see six teams, including hosts India, China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Pakistan, competing for the title.
Despite the strained ties between Pakistan and India, Pakistan Hockey Federation Secretary Haider Hussain emphasized that participation in the event was crucial. He said that the national team could face the wrath of international hockey bodies if they refused to send the team to India. “The Asian Hockey Federation has the authority to impose a penalty on the PHF for refusing to send the team to India,” he told Dawn on Wednesday.
Haider also informed that the Pakistan Hockey Federation needed the government’s support to finance the expenditure for the event. “The government has made a contribution, but there is a need to raise funds from the private sector,” he said. He added that Pakistan needed to play in international events to improve its ranking and that the PHF was trying to avail of every opportunity that comes their way.
Read More: Pakistan Cricket Board Prefers Chennai and Kolkata as World Cup Venues
Although the political situation makes it impossible for Pakistan and India to play against each other on a bilateral basis, Haider opined that playing against each other could help both countries improve the standard of the game and popularize the sport in the region. The former international player emphasized that the PHF would continue to seek ways to improve the game in Pakistan and provide opportunities for players to showcase their skills at the international level.
With the tournament just around the corner, the PHF is keen to ensure that the national team gets the necessary support to make their mark in the competition. The team’s participation in the Asian Champions Trophy is not just crucial for their ranking, but also for the growth and development of hockey in Pakistan.
