Will Pakistan Compete in the Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025? Here's What We Know!

As the Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 approaches, uncertainty looms over Pakistan's participation. However, the Sports Ministry has confirmed that the team will be allowed to enter India for the tournament, pending final approval from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs. This event, taking place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 9, will also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. With recent tensions between the two nations, the situation remains delicate. Read on to find out more about the implications of this tournament and Pakistan's hockey journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2025, 19:00 IST

Pakistan's Participation in Men's Hockey Asia Cup Confirmed

New Delhi: As speculation mounts regarding Pakistan's involvement in the forthcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup in India next month, sources from the Sports Ministry have confirmed that the team will be permitted to enter the country for the tournament.

Nonetheless, they emphasized that the final decision will rest with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"We have no issues with Pakistan participating in the Hockey Asia Cup in India, as it is an international event. However, I must stress that visa-related matters are under the purview of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Their ruling will be conclusive," stated officials from the Sports Ministry.

The historic city of Rajgir in Bihar is set to host the Men's Asia Cup 2025 from August 29 to September 9 at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium. Following a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that resulted in 26 fatalities, the participation of Pakistan's men's hockey team was uncertain due to the tense diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The Men's Asia Cup 2025 will also act as a qualifying tournament for the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, which will take place in Belgium and the Netherlands. The tournament champion will secure a place in the World Cup.

Additionally, India is scheduled to host the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, which will occur in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10. Pakistan has been placed in Pool B alongside their rivals India in the expanded 24-team tournament.

The last time Pakistan's men's hockey team visited India was in 2023 for the Asian Champions Trophy held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where the Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian team triumphed over Malaysia 4-3 in the final, clinching their fourth title.

Recently, Pakistan competed in the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia, finishing as runners-up to New Zealand, who qualified for the FIH Pro League 2026-27 season.