Hockey India Rejects Pakistan's Neutral Venue Request for Champions Trophy

Hockey India has firmly rejected the Pakistan Hockey Federation's request to relocate the Asian Champions Trophy or shift Pakistan's matches to a neutral venue, insisting that Pakistan must travel to India to participate in the tournament. The decision leaves Pakistan's involvement in the continental competition, scheduled for October 27 to November 5, uncertain. The standoff began when the Pakistan Hockey Federation formally approached the Asian Hockey Federation, seeking either the relocation of the entire tournament outside India or the shifting of Pakistan's matches to a neutral location. The federation cited the current sensitive bilateral situation and prevailing security conditions as the reason for the request, aiming to ensure a safe and dignified environment for its players and officials. Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, who also serves as vice-president of the Asian Hockey Federation, dismissed the proposal. "No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue. In the past also Pakistan did this, if they want to play in Asian Champions Trophy they will have to come to India," Singh stated.