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Asia Cup Hockey Blow for Pakistan Amid India Travel Ban

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4 weeks ago

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The Pakistan hockey team has been withdrawn from the upcoming Asia Cup hockey tournament in India after the country’s interior ministry reportedly denied travel clearance, citing security threats and political tensions.

The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) has now turned to Bangladesh to replace Pakistan for the 12th edition of the continental event, scheduled from 27 August to 7 September in Rajgir, Bihar.

Pakistan Out, Bangladesh In: Political Tensions Hit Asia Cup Hockey

Interior ministry raises red flags over Bihar visit

Sources confirmed to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that Pakistan’s Interior Ministry deemed travel to India too risky, especially after the May military confrontation between the two neighbours.

A source close to the development said

Pakistan’s interior ministry feels Bihar is dangerous for Pakistan nationals with an extremist government in rule, so they turned down PHF’s request:

PHF denies withdrawal, demands safety guarantees

However, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid insisted that his federation has not officially pulled out, instead putting the onus on AHF.

Mujahid told www.telecomasia.net.

We have written to the AHF asking them to give us assurance of safety of our players and that India will give visas to our players.

World Cup qualification hopes dashed

Pakistan’s non-participation could have serious repercussions, ruling them out of the qualification race for the 2026 Hockey World Cup to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.

The PHF had even urged the AHF to consider relocating the Asia Cup to a neutral venue, but the request was turned down due to a lack of time and the absence of a willing host to cover the USD 100,000 hosting fee.

Junior World Cup participation in doubt

Pakistan’s involvement in the upcoming FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai this November is also under threat given the current diplomatic and security climate.

Notably, Pakistan last travelled to India for the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, where they finished fifth. That event concluded without any incident, with India emerging champions.

India says it’s ready to host Pakistan

Meanwhile, Indian authorities had been prepared to allow Pakistan’s participation. Reports suggest the Indian sports ministry and Hockey India were aligned on issuing visas and hosting the team.

This readiness was also seen as a strategic move by India to show compliance with the International Olympic Committee’s inclusion standards, critical to its 2036 Summer Olympics bid.

Bangladesh next in line – or Chinese Taipei

Sources also told Telecomasia.net that if Bangladesh refuses to send its team due to its own diplomatic tensions with India, the AHF may turn to Chinese Taipei as the next available replacement.

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Travel Guides & Articles

These Are The Best Whale Watching Spots In India – Travel and Leisure Asia

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September 2, 2025

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These Are The Best Whale Watching Spots In India  Travel and Leisure Asia



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6 offbeat train stops across India that every train lover must explore

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3 hours ago

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September 2, 2025

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There is something about railway stations that most train lovers will swear by. The sight of the crowds, tea vendors buzzing through the platforms with steaming chai and samosa, the rhythmic sound of wheels against the tracks, and the distant whistle of an approaching train, all come together to make that place uniquely lively. It’s a place where journeys begin, end, and sometimes linger in memory long after the train has departed.
Then there are hidden gems, offbeat stops that tell stories of landscapes, history, and local life, which go beyond the busy junctions and metropolitan stations. These offbeat train stops are like windows into the country’s other unknown side. Whether it’s witnessing a waterfall beside a railway track in Goa, starting a UNESCO-listed mountain train journey in Tamil Nadu, or experiencing the highest broad-gauge station in Andhra Pradesh, these stations promise travelers an adventure unlike any other. For railway enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious explorers alike, these offbeat train stops across India are destinations in their own right, and must be explored whenever given a chance.





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Heavy Rains Lash Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad; Schools, Offices Closed, Airlines Issue Travel Advisory

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4 hours ago

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September 2, 2025

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Delhi-NCR Weather: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Delhi-NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad, as relentless monsoon showers continue to lash northern India. Today’s weather forecast for Delhi warns of intense downpours throughout the day.

In Gurugram, heavy rains have triggered severe waterlogging and massive traffic jams, with reports of a 7-kilometre-long traffic snarl. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued an orange alert for the city, advising the closure of all schools, colleges, and offices, and encouraging work-from-home arrangements.

Meanwhile, Noida and Ghaziabad are also experiencing heavy rainfall. The IMD’s weather alert extends to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where a red alert has been issued due to the risk of flash floods and extremely heavy rainfall. Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir remain under an orange warning. As per today’s forecast, schools and offices in affected regions are expected to remain closed to ensure public safety.

Air India also issued a passenger advisory: ” Rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi today. Please check your flight status here https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey to the airport.”

Delhi-NCR Rains: Avoid These Routes In Gurugram

Many parts of Gurugram experienced severe waterlogging on Monday following hours of continuous rain. Commuters reported flooding at major junctions including Hero Honda Chowk, Sohna Road, Narsinghpur stretch on NH-48, IFFCO Chowk, and Sectors 29 and 31. Traffic crawled along Golf Course Road and MG Road due to knee-deep water. Authorities have urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas during peak hours and to opt for alternate routes or work-from-home options where possible.

ALSO READ: Jammu-Kashmir Railway News: Jammu Tawi-bound 69 Trains Suspended Till September 30 Amid Landslides, Flood; Details

Delhi-NCR Rains: Are Schools, Offices Open In Gurugram Today?

Gurugram recorded over 100 mm of rainfall between 3 PM and 7 PM on September 1. In response to IMD’s orange alert, the District Disaster Management Authority has directed the closure of all offices on Tuesday (September 2), advising businesses to allow employees to work from home.

All schools in the district have also been advised to conduct online classes on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.





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