In a stroke of good fortune, the Pakistan hockey team has been granted the No-objection Certificate (NOC) for their participation in the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Chennai, India. Previously, political tensions between the two countries had put their involvement in doubt, but the issuance of the green signal signifies a positive resolution.
Haider Hussain, the Secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), confirmed that the Sports Board received the necessary NOC from the Ministry of the Interior. With the tournament commencing on August 3rd, the Pakistani team is set to depart via the Wagah border on Tuesday, traveling to Amritsar before catching a domestic flight to Chennai.
3 Pakistan hockey team officials yet to get visas from Indian High Commissioner
However, while most of the players and officials have received their visas from the Indian High Commissioner, there are still three officials, including the newly appointed consultant, Shahnaz Shaikh, who await theirs. Haider expressed optimism that the remaining visas would likely be issued by Monday, ensuring all members can travel as scheduled.
The Pakistan hockey team’s opening match in the tournament will be against Malaysia on August 3rd, while the highly anticipated Indo-Pak clash is scheduled for August 9th, promising an intense rivalry as both teams gear up to compete on the grand stage.
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