They say sports and politics shouldn’t mix but there are a few exceptions and one of them India and Pakistan.

The neighbours, who have a frosty relationship, have seen sports and politics mix when it comes to cricket, with the two playing each other only at world events. And that has spilled onto other sporting disciplines as well.

The latest to get stuck in the quagmire is hockey.

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India is set to host two big events — the Asia Cup and the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup later this year. But there are question marks about Pakistan’s participation in both the events, if media reports are to go by.

It is being said that Pakistan will review to the security scenario in India before deciding on sending its teams across the border.

Pakistan will only send its teams if it is satisfied with the security, a top government official was quoted as saying by Indian news agency PTI.

“The government will review the security situation in India for Pakistani nationals and if it is not satisfied it will not put any of our players at risk by sending them to play in India,” Rana Mashood, who is the chairman of Prime Minister’s Youth Development and Sports Programme, said.

The Asia Cup, which acts as a qualifier for next year’s World Cup, is scheduled to be held in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 27 to September 7.

The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup is pencilled in from November 28 to December 10 with Chennai and Madurai set to host the 24-team event.

Relations on edge

Relations between the two countries have been on edge recently after the military skirmish following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April. Gunmen had opened fire on tourists at the popular hill station in the Kashmir valley, killing 26 people.

India, which blamed Pakistan for the attack, retaliated by launching ‘Operation Sindoor.’

After four days of conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours, both agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.