There is no certainty whether boys from the neighbouring country would be allowed to participate this time or not
It was not long back when Pakistan kabaddi team was barred from taking part in the Kabaddi World Cup during the first week of October held in Ahmedabad. Not much has changed since then as time has come for India to host the prestigious Junior World Cup Hockey tournament in Lucknow from December 8-18.
There is no certainty whether boys from the neighbouring country would be allowed to participate this time or not. Though, the Pakistan Hockey Federation has already given its "go ahead" to create a positive "political atmosphere".
International Hockey Federation's (FIH) newly-elected president Narinder Batra is also clear in his stand that "it's a call that government of India or for that matter Pakistan have to take".
"In FIH events, Hockey India has no role to play. Pakistan federation has already confirmed its participation in the junior World Cup. But it all depends on the two respective governments," said Batra, who is also currently heading HI.
Batra said he understands that despite the fact that India has a commitment as host nation to allow all participating nations, the political situation has to be taken into account.
After the Pathankot and Uri terror attacks, relations between India and Pakistan have come to a standstill.
"I haven't seen such thing happening ever before (Pakistan players being barred from any international event in India). Pak is coming to India," added the FIH president.
However, he added, "If Pak team is not allowed, there is a backup plan. There are always two replacement teams kept for such a situation."
On the issue of extra security cover that would be needed for Pakistan players during their stay in Lucknow, Batra said: "It is the job of host nation to provide adequate security to all teams. That should not be an issue at all."
Meanwhile, PHF chief Khalid Mehmood has clarified in Islamabad that "the call has not been taken whether Pak players would travel by road from Amritsar side or take a flight to New Delhi".
Batra, on the other hand, clarified that all issues regarding the misbehaviour of few Pakistan hockey players after the 2014 Champions Trophy has been sorted out and has no bearing on the upcoming tourney.
"We (HI and PHF) met before the FIH elections in Dubai and resolved all the issues," came the reply, but without an assurance whether Pak players would be part of the Hockey India League next auctions next year.
Doubts over India as venue
If India does not allow Pakistan to participate in the Junior World Cup hockey, it could have serious ramifications on its chances of hosting any major international event in the future.
All countries, before bidding for any international tournament, do make a commitment that "there would be no bar on any international team to come and play in their respective country". That's why in events like Olympics or Asian Games, the accreditation of players and officials are treated as "valid visas" by the host country.
An official of India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has told dna that "it would be for Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to take a call on Pak team visit".
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