Pakistan awaits government nod for Asia Cup and Junior World Cup hockey in India

Amidst anger over the decision to allow the Pakistan hockey team to visit India for the upcoming Asia Cup, CNN-News18 has learnt that past lessons have played a role in shaping this decision.

India has previously faced trouble with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for denying visas not just to Pakistani athletes but also to athletes from Kosovo. Therefore, keeping in mind the larger interests of sports in India, the government has decided not to bar the Pakistan team from the Asia Cup.

Any attempt to bar the Pakistan team could jeopardise India’s future as a host for global sports events.