(Hockey News) The Pakistan hockey team has received approval to travel to India for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in Chennai from August 3.

Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Haider Hussain confirmed on Friday that the Sports Board has successfully obtained the NOC from the Ministry of Interior.

“The contingent will depart on Tuesday via the Wagah border and proceed to Amritsar, from where they have been booked on a domestic flight to Chennai,” he said. Haider mentioned that they are still awaiting visas for three officials, including the newly appointed consultant of the national team, Shahnaz Sheikh.

Earlier this month, the PHF appointed Shahnaz as the senior consultant of the team. Shahnaz, a renowned name in hockey, previously served as the head coach when Pakistan reached the final of the Champions Trophy in India in 2014.

Haider expressed confidence that they would obtain the visas on Monday. The visas for the remaining players and officials had already been issued by the Indian High Commission.

Pakistan’s first match is against Malaysia on August 3, and they are set to face their arch-rivals India on August 9.

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