After failing to compete in the 2016 edition in Lucknow because of a visa problem, the Junior Team Pakistan wanted to be displayed at the Junior Hockey World Cup which will be held in Bhubaneswar from November 24 to December 5.
Although Pakistan meets the requirements for the 2016 event, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan – after Attack on Uri and Pathankot – meaning the event continued without their participation.
But bilateral bonds have improved since then.
Even if two national cricket teams did not travel to their respective countries, the senior Pakistani hockey team fell for the men’s World Cup held in Bhubaneswar in 2018 and everything went smoothly.
They have even participated in the Champions Trophy in 2014, which was also held in Bhubaneswar, but which ended with acid records after two Pakistani players made obscene hand movements towards the crowd after their victory above the semifinals.
Someone can only hope that no such incident happens when Pakistan is seen feeling success in the sports they have ever been dominated.
It was very surprising that the Olympic champion three times failed to qualify for the last two Olympics.
But the Abdul Rana LED team was looking to put all the disappointment behind them and put up the show to remember.
Pakistan, which was placed in Group D with Germany, Argentina and Egypt, arrived in Bhubaneswar on Saturday night and so far played two training matches against Chile and Canada.
“The players in a good spirit and they play as one unit.
We have had a number of camps and have prepared well for the past two years despite the pandemic situation.
Hopefully we can play against Germany in full,” said Rana during a virtual press conference on the day Monday.
While the team cannot play international matches, they play against senior teams and other department teams to prepare for the World Cup.