Pakistan Hockey Players Banned for Life After Asylum Attempt

Three Pakistan hockey players and a physiotherapist have been banned for life by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) after attempting to seek asylum in Europe. They had slipped away during a European tour without notifying the PHF. The incident has brought disrepute to Pakistan hockey and made future visa applications challenging.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has imposed a lifetime ban on three players and a physiotherapist for attempting to seek asylum in Europe. The accused, Murtaza Yaqoob, Ihtesham Aslam, Abdur Rahman, and physiotherapist Waqas, disappeared during a recent tour to the Netherlands and Poland.

PHF secretary-general Rana Mujahid revealed that the players did not attend a subsequent training camp due to alleged domestic issues, but it was later discovered they had flown to Holland on Schengen visas to seek asylum. Mujahid described the episode as 'disappointing,' noting it could jeopardize future visa applications for international competitions.

The PHF Congress has sanctioned the lifetime ban and tasked efforts to return the individuals for disciplinary actions. Mujahid acknowledged financial challenges but insisted the players' actions were unjustifiable. The interior and foreign ministries have been notified for further action.

(With inputs from agencies.)