Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has said that the welcome door will be open for Pakistan to take part in the Jr. World Cup later in the year, but they won’t be playing the waiting game for them. Pakistan were one of the teams that was supposed to take part in the ongoing Asia Cup, but they decided to pull out in the last moment citing security concerns.
Pakistan’s participation was in doubt following the fallout of the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindhoor earlier in the year, but the team was given clearance to come to India for the tournament. Hockey India secretary Bholanath Singh confirmed that Pakistan will take part in the Jr. World Cup and the preparations for the tournament is in the final stage.
Speaking to India Today during a media interaction, Tirkey said that he came to know about Pakistan’s participation and if there is a delay then they will have to give their reasons.
The Hockey India president said that the Indian government was ready to welcome for the Asia Cup also but they decided to drop out.
“I also read in papers only that Pakistan confirmed. We also came to know from papers. If they delay, they will give reasons. Last time also, Indian government welcomed them, clearance also was given, but finally they dropped citing security reasons,” said Tirkey.
‘We are watching the situation closely’
Tirkey said that the situation regarding Pakistan’s participation will be monitored closely and there is time for the tournament. If Pakistan decide to pull out, the Hockey India chief said that they will accordingly make a call.
“We are watching the situation closely. Still time is there. If they come, we will welcome. If not, then accordingly, a decision will be taken,” said Tirkey.
A recent diktat from the Sports ministry stated that India will not participate in bilateral sports events with Pakistan. The Sports Ministry, on August 21, said Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan, nor will they host Pakistani teams in any bilateral series.
However, this restriction will not extend to multilateral tournaments, such as the World Cups and the Olympics, where both countries participate under the jurisdiction of international governing bodies.
India and Pakistan are grouped in the same pool during the upcoming Jr. World Cup, which will take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 till December 10 this year.
– Ends