Lahore: Refusing to travel to India due to a "sensitive bilateral situation," Pakistan requested on Wednesday that the Asian Hockey Federation relocate its Asian Champions Trophy fixtures to a neutral venue to ensure the national team's "uninterrupted" participation in the tournament.

However, Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, who also serves as vice-president of the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), rejected the proposal, clarifying that no venue changes will be made.

"No such request would be entertained. There will be no change in venue. In the past also Pakistan did this; if they want to play in Asian Champions Trophy they will have to come to India," Bhola Nath told Press Trust of India.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) stated that it sought a neutral venue to ensure the country's full and unhindered participation in the continental tournament, scheduled to be hosted in Mohali and Jalandhar in Punjab from 27 October to 5 November.

Interim PHF president Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani confirmed in an official statement that he had submitted a request to either relocate the entire tournament or move Pakistan's matches to a neutral location.

"The decision has been taken in view of the current sensitive bilateral situation between Pakistan and India and the prevailing security conditions, with the aim of ensuring a safe, dignified and conducive environment for the national players and officials," Wani said in the statement.

Wani added that Pakistan remains dedicated to competing in the Asian Champions Trophy and supporting hockey's global development.

"We are ready to take on India as well as all FIH member nations on the field and remain committed to the principle of keeping sport free from politics," Wani said. "We strongly hope that the Asian Hockey Federation will positively consider our dignified proposal for a neutral venue to ensure Pakistan's uninterrupted and full participation in the tournament."

When questioned about potential replacement teams should Pakistan maintain its stance, Bhola Nath noted, "We have two teams in Bangladesh and Oman who can take Pakistan's place."

The exchange occurred shortly after a senior PHF official disclosed to PTI that the Pakistani government had not granted travel clearance for the national squad, countering earlier assertions by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Mann had previously confirmed Pakistan's participation alongside Bhola Nath, emphasising that India's national sports guidelines permit Pakistani athletes to compete in multinational sporting events hosted on Indian soil.

Pakistan previously withdrew from the FIH Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu last year as well as the Asia Cup, citing security concerns.

The premier regional tournament features six participating nations: India, Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Japan, and South Korea.

PTI