Key Takeaways
- Hockey India has rejected Pakistan’s request to move the Asian Champions Trophy to a neutral venue.
- The tournament is set to be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5.
- Pakistan remains committed to participating in the event despite the rejection.
Hockey India has dismissed the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) request to host the upcoming Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in a neutral venue, according to Indian media reports.
The PHF had approached the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), seeking either the relocation of the entire tournament outside India or the shifting of Pakistan’s matches to neutral venues due to current security concerns and the sensitive bilateral situation.
However, Hockey India Secretary General and AHF Vice-President Bhola Nath Singh has ruled out any changes to the venue, stating, 'There will be no change in venue. If Pakistan wants to play in the Asian Champions Trophy, it will have to come to India.'
Singh added that Bangladesh and Oman are among the reserve teams and could be considered as replacements if Pakistan decides to withdraw from the tournament.
The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from October 27 to November 5 in Jalandhar and Mohali. Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea are set to participate.
Jalandhar will host the league-stage matches, while the semifinals and final are scheduled to take place in Mohali. Pakistan and India are due to face each other in Jalandhar on November 1.
Despite the rejection of its request, the PHF has maintained that Pakistan remains committed to participating in the continental event. Interim PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said, 'The federation had sought a neutral venue to ensure a safe, dignified and conducive environment for Pakistan’s players and officials.'
He also reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to compete against India and all other International Hockey Federation (FIH) member nations, while maintaining that sport should remain separate from politics.
Pakistan’s participation in the tournament now remains uncertain following Hockey India’s refusal to consider a change of venue.
There will be no change in venue. If Pakistan wants to play in the Asian Champions Trophy, it will have to come to India.
Bhola Nath Singh, Hockey India Secretary General and AHF Vice-President
The federation had sought a neutral venue to ensure a safe, dignified and conducive environment for Pakistan’s players and officials.
Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani, Interim PHF President
