Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has made a major decision to withdraw its national team from the upcoming Asia Cup tournament scheduled to be held in India, sources confirmed on Thursday.
According to insiders, the decision came after Indian extremist organizations issued open threats to the Pakistani team via social media. In addition, Indian media outlets have continued to spread anti-Pakistan sentiment, further fueling security concerns.
Pakistan has traditionally kept sports separate from politics, maintaining a consistent stance to promote peace through athletic competition. However, the rising hostility and politicization of sports in India have forced PHF to reconsider.
Sources stated that given the growing threats and toxic atmosphere, the security of Pakistani players has come under serious risk. As a result, officials concluded that sending the team to India under current conditions would not be appropriate.
This move marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the two countries, once again highlighting how politics can overshadow the spirit of international sports.
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