Lahore: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Asif Bajwa believes that there is a conspiracy involved from Hockey India in getting visas for Junior Hockey World Cup.

According to Bajwa, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) invited PHF to participate in the World Cup on September 23 but the next day, they were told that the last date to submit visa application was September 24.

“On September 23, we were told that Hockey India had sent an email on September 18. But we did not receive any mail from Hockey India on September 18,” he said.

Bajwa questioned that the Junior World Cup schedule was released on September 23, so how did Hockey India mail on September 18?

“We had asked Hockey India for ten days to apply for visas. I have spoken to FIH President Narendra Batra and Chief Executive Asian Hockey Tayyab Ikram on the issue. Both have assured support,” he added.

“We have sent the preliminary list of players and officials to Hockey India. We have also completed 90% of the visa application process,” Asif Bajwa added.

Asif revealed that they have asked the government of Pakistani for the NOC. “PHF wants to play in the World Cup but will abide by the decision of the government over participation.”

The 12th Junior Hockey World Cup is scheduled in India from November 24 to December 5. Pakistan got direct qualification to the mega event after Junior Asia Cup was postponed due to COVID-19.

Read: PHF seeks NOC from government for Junior Hockey World Cup in India