The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has handed out lifetime bans to three national hockey players and a physiotherapist after they attempted to seek asylum in Europe. The individuals involved are players Murtaza Yaqoob, Ihtesham Aslam, Abdur Rahman, and physiotherapist Waqas. These bans come just before the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy.
The four were part of Pakistan’s hockey team that toured Holland and Poland last month for the Nations’ Cup. However, instead of returning home, they tried to seek asylum in Europe, an action that went unnoticed by the PHF until recently. As a result, they were barred from participating in the national training camp for the upcoming tournament in China.
Rana Mujahid, the Secretary-General of PHF, stated that the players and physio acted without the federation’s knowledge or approval, leading to their severe punishment of being banned from the sport for life.
The Asian Champions Trophy, where these players were expected to compete, is scheduled to be held in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, from September 8 to 17, 2024. This incident has added a significant blow to the national team as they prepare for the tournament, and it highlights the challenges and pressures faced by athletes, both on and off the field.
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