Pakistan Withdraws from Hockey Asia Cup, Bangladesh to Participate

The Pakistan hockey team has withdrawn from the Hockey Asia Cup, scheduled to begin in India on August 29, 2025. The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has invited Bangladesh to fill the vacant spot, and Bangladesh has confirmed its participation.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Riyajul Hasan, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation, confirmed the news, stating, “We received the invitation from the AHF around noon today. Inshallah, we will participate in the Asia Cup, and preparations are underway.”

Speculation about Pakistan’s withdrawal due to tensions with India had been circulating for about three weeks. In anticipation, Bangladesh began its national team training camp on August 14 at the Maulana Bhasani Hockey Stadium. The camp, led by coach Moshiur Rahman, includes 10 players from the U-21 World Cup squad and 18 senior team players.

Since the inception of the Asia Cup in 1982, Bangladesh has participated in every edition. Although the team, led by Sohanur Rahman and Pushkar Khisa, did not qualify directly for this year’s tournament after failing to reach the AHF Cup final, they secured a spot due to their third-place ranking following Pakistan’s withdrawal.

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