Pakistan Legend Sohail Abbas Declines India Visit for Asia Cup, Continues Coaching Malaysia

Legendary drag-flicker and former Pakistani hockey star Sohail Abbas has decided not to go to India for the Men's Asia Cup Hockey Tournament, which will take place in Rajgir, Bihar, from August 29 to September 7, 2025. Abbas, who is currently Malaysia's assistant coach, explained that his choice is unrelated to Pakistan's decision to skip the competition.

Abbas told PTI Bhasha from Karachi, "I am not coming for the Asia Cup, but there are some other personal reasons behind it."

Because it provides direct qualification to the 2026 Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, the Asia Cup is extremely important.

Abbas's Post-Retirement Journey

Considered the "King of Drag Flick," the 48-year-old retired from international hockey in 2012. Following years of keeping a low profile, he accepted his first coaching position in October 2024, joining Malaysia as an assistant coach with a focus on penalty corners.

Abbas has participated in four World Cups (1998 Utrecht, 2002 Kuala Lumpur, 2006 Mönchengladbach, 2010 Delhi) and three Olympics (2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, 2012 London). He has played in 311 international matches and scored a record 348 goals. He last played in India at the 2010 Delhi World Cup after making his debut against them in Peshawar in 1998.

Pakistan's withdrawal from the Asia Cup

After the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which increased military tensions with India, Pakistan's participation in the Asia Cup had been in doubt. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) ultimately chose not to issue visas to Pakistani players, despite the Indian government's agreement to do so, citing security concerns. In the eight-team competition, Bangladesh has taken Pakistan's place.

The Indian Sports Ministry has reaffirmed that it will not prohibit participation in international competitions, but it will not participate in bilateral sporting events with Pakistan.

Indian hockey deserves praise.

Abbas praised the ascent of the Indian hockey team, which has won consecutive bronze medals at the Olympics. Regarding Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian captain and drag-flick expert, Abbas stated:

“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.”

While he refrained from commenting on the India-Pakistan hockey rivalry, Abbas’ admiration for Indian players reflects the mutual respect between the subcontinent’s hockey legends.

A Record-Breaking Career

• Holds the world record for most goals (348) on artificial turf.
• Scored 21 hat-tricks in his international career.
• Surpassed Dutch legend Paul Litjens’ 267-goal tally during the 2004 Champions Trophy in Amritsar.
• Captained Hyderabad Sultans in the inaugural Indian Premier Hockey League (2005), leading them to the title.
• Despite stepping back from the Asia Cup trip, Sohail Abbas’ legacy as one of the greatest drag-flickers in hockey history remains unmatched.