Door open for Pakistan in Jr. World Cup, but no waiting game: Hockey India chief

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 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.