Pakistan has asked the Asian Hockey Federation(AHF) to either shift next month’s men’s Asian Champions Trophy from India or play all of Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue due to security concerns and what it called a “sensitive bilateral situation”.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation made the standard inquiry to the AHF on Wednesday, saying it remained committed to participating in the tournament but wanted a “safe and dignified environment” for its players and officials, according to Dawn.
The tournament will be played in Mohali and Jalandhar from Oct. 5 to Nov. 27th with participation from India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea.
The PHF’s interim president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani was quoted as saying the federation wanted to ensure “uninterrupted and full participation” of Pakistan while keeping sport away from political pressures.
AHF vice president and Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh rejected the request and told The Indian Express that the venues will not be changed.
The AHF has not announced any change to the tournament arrangements. Pakistan’s participation is subject to the resolution of the venue dispute.
