In a surprising development ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 men’s hockey tournament, legendary Pakistani drag flicker Sohail Abbas has opted not to travel to India, where the event is set to take place in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7. Abbas, who currently serves as the assistant coach of Malaysia’s national team, cited personal reasons for his decision, clarifying that it was not influenced by Pakistan’s absence from the tournament.
The Asia Cup 2025 offers a direct qualification spot for next year’s Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, making it one of the most crucial continental events of the season. Abbas’s absence from the sidelines, especially given his stature and technical expertise in penalty corner coaching, is being seen as a significant loss for Malaysia’s campaign.
🧭 Sohail Abbas’s Statement and Clarification
Speaking to PTI Bhasha from Karachi, the 48-year-old veteran said:
“I am not coming for the Asia Cup, but there are some other personal reasons behind it. It has nothing to do with Pakistan not participating in the tournament.”
Abbas, widely regarded as the “King of the Drag Flick,” made his international debut against India in Peshawar in 1998 and last played in India during the 2010 Delhi World Cup. He holds the world record for most goals on artificial turf—348 goals in 311 matches—and has scored a record 21 hat-tricks in international hockey.
📊 Sohail Abbas Career Highlights
| Category | Statistic/Record |
|---|---|
| International Matches | 311 |
| Goals Scored | 348 (Artificial Turf Record) |
| Hat-tricks | 21 |
| World Cups Played | 4 (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010) |
| Olympics Played | 3 (2000, 2004, 2012) |
| Coaching Role | Malaysia Assistant Coach (Since 2024) |
Abbas’s decision not to travel to India has reignited discussions around the India-Pakistan sporting relationship, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions.
🔍 Pakistan’s Absence and Bangladesh’s Inclusion
Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup had been uncertain following the Pahalgam terror attack in April and subsequent military escalations. Although the Indian government agreed to issue visas to Pakistani players, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) declined to send its team, citing security concerns. Bangladesh has since replaced Pakistan in the eight-team tournament.
| Team Status | Asia Cup 2025 Participation |
|---|---|
| India | Confirmed |
| Malaysia | Confirmed |
| Pakistan | Withdrawn |
| Bangladesh | Replaced Pakistan |
The Indian Sports Ministry reiterated its policy of not engaging in bilateral sporting events with Pakistan but confirmed that Indian teams would continue to participate in multi-nation tournaments involving Pakistan.
🧠 Abbas’s Admiration for Indian Hockey
Despite his decision to skip the tour, Abbas expressed admiration for the Indian hockey team’s recent performances, including back-to-back Olympic bronze medals. He praised Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh’s drag flicking skills and offered words of encouragement:
“He is playing very well, and it is good to see his performance improving continuously. I would advise him to stay on the same track and keep working hard like this.”
Abbas declined to comment on the India-Pakistan hockey rivalry, choosing instead to focus on the sport’s growth and technical evolution.
📉 Malaysia’s Asia Cup Campaign Without Abbas
Malaysia will begin its Asia Cup 2025 campaign on August 29 against South Korea. The team, coached by A. Arul Selvaraj, will miss Abbas’s tactical input on penalty corners, an area where he has been instrumental since joining the coaching staff in October 2024.
| Malaysia Match Schedule | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| August 29 | South Korea | Rajgir |
| August 31 | Japan | Rajgir |
| September 2 | Bangladesh | Rajgir |
Malaysia is placed in Group A alongside South Korea, Japan, and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
🧠 India-Pakistan Hockey Relations: A Complex History
India and Pakistan share one of the most storied rivalries in international hockey. However, political tensions have often disrupted bilateral series. Abbas’s absence adds another layer to the strained sporting ties.
| Year | Event | Outcome/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Delhi World Cup | Abbas’s last appearance in India |
| 2012 | Abbas retires from international hockey | End of an era |
| 2024 | Abbas joins Malaysia as coach | First coaching role |
| 2025 | Asia Cup in India | Abbas declines travel |
Despite the challenges, Abbas remains a respected figure in Indian hockey circles, having captained the Hyderabad Sultans to victory in the inaugural Premier Hockey League in 2005.
📌 Conclusion
Sohail Abbas’s decision to skip the Asia Cup 2025 in India, while serving as Malaysia’s assistant coach, is a significant moment in the tournament’s build-up. Though he cited personal reasons, the timing and context have sparked debate across sporting and diplomatic circles.
His absence will be felt not only by Malaysia but also by fans and players in India who admire his legacy. As the Asia Cup unfolds in Rajgir, Abbas’s influence will linger—through his coaching philosophy, his record-breaking career, and his quiet but powerful presence in the sport.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 23, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute sports, diplomatic, or political advice.
