An India vs Pakistan clash is not without turbulence be it any sport. After cricket and football, now hockey has stepped into the ring. With just a week to go for the Asian Champions Trophy 2023, the Pakistan hockey team are yet to receive a NOC to travel. A similar issue bugged the Pakistan football team last month, before being cleared to arrive in Bengaluru. The Asian Champions Trophy begins in Chennai on August 3.
As per Geo TV, the Pakistan hockey team is still waiting for a NOC to participate in the competition. As per reports, the team is scheduled to depart on July 31 but is yet to receive clearance to facilitate their travel. Unlike the football team, however, they have their VISA ready. The Interior Ministry has already given its stamp of approval, but a final call from the Pakistan Government remains.
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The report states that The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination did not issue the NOC yet and will notify the Pakistan Hockey Federation of the same. As things stand, July 27 is the last working day in Pakistan before the Moharram holidays. If the decision doesn’t pass on Thursday, then Pakistan’s travel to India will be under threat.
The Asian Champions Trophy begins on August 3 in Chennai. The India vs Pakistan Hockey match will be played on August 9.
A sigh of relief perhaps for PHF would be to look at recent history. Despite all the VISA and NOC troubles, the Pakistan team did manage to reach Bengaluru for the SAFF Championship in June. The Pakistan Hockey Team, led by Muhammad Umar Bhatta, will hope for safe passage as well.
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