Three Pakistani Hockey Players and a Physiotherapist Banned for Life After Seeking Asylum in Europe
In a significant development in Pakistani hockey, three players and a physiotherapist have been banned for life by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) following their attempt to seek asylum in Europe. This decision comes ahead of the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy.
Details of the Incident:
1. Individuals Involved:
– The banned individuals are players Murtaza Yaqoob, Ihtesham Aslam, and Abdur Rahman, along with physiotherapist Waqas. They were part of the Pakistani national team that recently participated in the Nations’ Cup held in Holland and Poland.
2. Reason for Ban:
– The players and the physiotherapist sought asylum in Europe during their tour, which led to their exclusion from the national training camp for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. This act of seeking asylum without informing the federation resulted in their lifetime bans.
3. PHF’s Response:
– PHF Secretary-General Rana Mujahid disclosed that the individuals had acted without the federation’s knowledge, prompting the severe penalty. The federation has taken a strict stance against their actions, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
4. Upcoming Tournament:
– The Asian Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, from September 8 to 17, 2024. The tournament is a significant event for the national team, and the absence of these players will impact the team’s preparations and participation.
5. Context:
– Seeking asylum in Europe while on an international sports tour is a rare and serious action that has led to the PHF’s stringent measures. The lifetime bans underscore the federation’s commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity within the national team.
The decision to ban these players and the physiotherapist highlights the ongoing challenges faced by sports organizations in managing player conduct and ensuring team unity, especially during critical tournaments.
