<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives and left several others injured, has cast a dark cloud over the upcoming <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/amp/sports/other-sports/article/bihar-to-host-mens-asia-cup-hockey-at-rajgir-from-aug-29-to-sep-7-23510539" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>Asia Cup men&rsquo;s hockey</strong></a> tournament scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The heinous act, attributed to militants with alleged 'cross-border linkages', has provoked nationwide outrage in India and intensified diplomatic tensions with Pakistan.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the wake of the incident, the Indian government has taken a firm stance, revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals. This development has introduced a significant degree of uncertainty over Pakistan&rsquo;s participation in the Asia Cup, slated to take place from August 27 to September 7, as reported by Telecom Asia Sport, according to <a href="https://ddnews.gov.in/en/pakistan-hockey-teams-asia-cup-tour-to-india-in-doubt-after-pahalgam-terror-attack/" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">DD News</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Asia Cup is a pivotal tournament, featuring eight competing teams, and serves as a key qualifier for the <strong><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/amp/sports/other-sports/article/bihar-to-host-mens-asia-cup-hockey-at-rajgir-from-aug-29-to-sep-7-23510539" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">2026 Hockey World Cup</a></strong>, which will be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In light of escalating tensions, many influential voices within India are advocating for a complete cessation of bilateral relations with Pakistan, including sporting engagements. This growing sentiment has fueled speculation in Pakistani media about whether India will permit Pakistan&rsquo;s hockey team to enter the country for the prestigious tournament.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rana Mujahid, General Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding their team&rsquo;s participation. &ldquo;We have good relations with Hockey India, but participation in the Asia Cup is a government-to-government matter. We will approach our government for permission. If they grant approval, we will go; if not, there is no possibility,&rdquo; Mujahid said in a statement to Telecom Asia Sport from Lahore.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He further emphasized the practical challenges posed by the current situation, adding, &ldquo;Given the current situation, with India revoking all Pakistani visas, how can our team visit? That&rsquo;s the reality. We will wait for our government&rsquo;s direction.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the Indian side, Hockey India is treading cautiously. General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh reiterated that the federation will defer to the central government&rsquo;s decision. &ldquo;We haven&rsquo;t had any discussions about the tournament yet. We&rsquo;ll wait to hear from the government and decide accordingly,&rdquo; Singh told Telecom Asia Sport.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Historically, Pakistan has participated in FIH-sanctioned events in India thrice over the past decade, the 2016 Junior World Cup in Lucknow, and both the 2018 Men&rsquo;s World Cup and 2021 Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar.</span></p><p><script type="text/javascript">atOptions={'key':'d0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7','format':'iframe','height':90,'width':728,'params':{}};</script></p><p>
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In the wake of the incident, the Indian government has taken a firm stance, revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals

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