New Delhi [India], August 19 (ANI): Hockey India president Dilip Kumar Tirkey on Tuesday acknowledged that Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Asia Cup Hockey in Bihar later this month is as a result of they’re refusing to come back all by themselves attributable to safety causes.
The upcoming Asia Cup Hockey in Rajgir, Bihar, has seen some modifications, with Pakistan and Oman withdrawing from the match. The occasion, scheduled from August 29 to September 7, will now welcome Bangladesh and Kazakhstan as replacements.
‘Asia Cup is an important match in Asian hockey. Pakistan shouldn’t be coming to this match attributable to safety causes. India by no means refused them; they’re refusing to come back all by themselves attributable to safety causes…Oman staff has additionally withdrawn attributable to their private points with their Government,’ Dilip Kumar Tirkey advised ANI.
‘Pakistan shouldn’t be taking part in within the Asia Cup. Pakistan Hockey Federation itself refused to come back attributable to safety causes. We shouldn’t have something to say,’ he additional added.
Pakistan, historically one of many greatest names in Asian hockey, won’t take part, paving the best way for Bangladesh to make the minimize. Oman too determined towards participation, with Kazakhstan taking their place within the competitors.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) introduced the official match schedule for the Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 on Tuesday. This prestigious continental championship won’t solely crown one of the best staff in Asia, but additionally the winners of Asia Cup 2025 will qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup, Belgium, Netherlands 2026.
The match will open on August 29 with an thrilling day of motion, that includes reigning champions Korea starting their title defence towards Chinese Taipei, and hosts India going through China in entrance of an anticipated passionate dwelling crowd.
After going through China, the hosts will face Japan on August 31, and can play their ultimate group recreation on September 1 towards Kazakhstan.The collaborating nations are divided into two swimming pools: Pool A consists of India, Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, whereas Pool B consists of Malaysia, Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei.
The pool stage will likely be adopted by the Super4s, with the Final on September 7 between the groups ending first and second within the Super4s. The champion will raise the Asia Cup 2025 Trophy and safe Asia’s spot on the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium-Netherlands 2026. (ANI)