Pakistan has decided not to send its national hockey team to India for the Asia Cup, citing security risks to players, sources confirmed on Friday.
India is set to host two big events — the Asia Cup and the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup later this year. However, media reports suggested that Pakistani authorities were not confident about security arrangements for its players in India.
Open threats and war-mongering narratives have become the norm in India, according to sources. Amidst the tense regional situation, Pakistani authorities have lost confidence in the Indian counterparts to provide Pakistani players a secure environment.
Chairman of the Youth Program, Rana Mashhood, had earlier clarified that Pakistan would not send its players until the situation is thoroughly assessed.
“If we are not satisfied, we will not put the Pakistan team at risk,” he stated.
It must be highlighted that the Indian extremist right-wing militant organisation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has openly issued threats to the Pakistan Hockey team players.
RSS is the militant twin brother of the BJP – the ruling government in India. Furthermore, Indian media, renowned for its hateful and jingoistic narratives, have also amplified threats against the green shirts.
Pictures of the Pakistan hockey team are being circulated online with direct threats aimed at the players.
Sources have suggested that Pakistan would never risk the safety and security of its players.
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