After years and years of struggles and setbacks, Pakistan’s national hockey team is making a strong comeback, with budding stars crushing it on the field with their recent wins and outstanding performances, leaving even the critics in awe.
Although the Green Shirts – once a dominant force in the sport – last won their fourth World Cup around 30 years ago, no other nation has been able to even tie that record of holding as many world cups to date. The team’s recent performances have instilled hope among stakeholders, and fans, and reminded everyone of the golden era of Pakistan hockey.
The team’s upward trajectory began at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, where they earned a silver medal. Throughout the semi-finals, the Greens Shirts remained unbeaten, and in the process, they demonstrated both spirit and prowess. Despite failing to clinch the championship title after being defeated by Japan in a penalty shootout in the final match, the team was hailed as highly impressive.
Following this progress, Pakistan won a bronze medal at the Asian Champions Trophy in China. They proved their mettle by convincingly beating South Korea 5-2 in the bronze medal match. The young players clinched a medal in this regional event after an eight-year wait. However, these recent successes have not come without challenges.
Pakistan hockey was in its worst administrative crisis just days before the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Two ‘rival’ national federations were operating simultaneously, casting doubt on the team’s participation. The situation was so complex that the idea of two different teams heading to Malaysia was not out of the question. However, the team’s performance was nothing short of inspiring.
The Greens Shirts were tenacious, fighting from behind in five of the six games. The players’ speed, physical condition, and overall performance had improved. The main challenge is how to maintain this momentum and translate it into victories in the top competitions. To achieve this, solving the existing funding and player support problems will be critical.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) remains short on funds to this day, while promises of the federal government jobs for the national team players have yet to be consistently fulfilled. Recently, Pakistan’s hockey team has found new life, and 19-year-old forward Hanan Shahid emerging as a standout talent.
Hanan Shahid received the prestigious ‘Rising Star of the Tournament’ award at the Asian Champions Trophy, where he performed admirably and scored six goals. This achievement further cements his position as one of the most promising young players in Asian hockey. In an interview with Jarida Today, Hanan Shahid spoke about his latest achievements and the team’s overall performance.
The youngster considered the award an incredible honor, but he did not hesitate to credit his teammates, saying that the teamwork was the key to their recent success. Hanan Shahid has been a key player for Pakistan in recent tournaments. He attributed his goal-scoring expertise to the coaching staff, his own efforts to improve positioning and finishing, and the support of his fellow players.
When talking about Pakistan’s rich hockey history, he remained respectful of the past and optimistic for the future. “We know the glory of Pakistan hockey, and we try to maintain that legacy every time we step on the field,” Hanan Shahid said. While happy with the team’s progress in recent years, he admits there is still much work to be done. The team’s ultimate goal, he says, is to bring Pakistan back to the top of world hockey.
Adding to the team’s credit, young defender Sufyan Khan has been nominated for the International Hockey Federation’s ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award. The federation’s decision to recognize Sufyan Khan is a testament to the fact that Pakistan hockey is once again gaining recognition. Sufyan Khan, 20-year-old, has made a big impact on the national team. He was the star of this year’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where he helped Pakistan secure second place, earning the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
In an exclusive conversation, Sufyan Khan shared his thoughts on his nomination and hockey journey. “To be nominated for the FIH Rising Star of the Year Award is a dream come true,” he said with joy and appreciation. “It is not only an honor for me but also for Pakistan hockey. This nomination proves that we are receiving the international attention needed to revive our national sport,” he said.
Although there is hope and excitement for the recent achievements, the true test for Pakistan hockey is to build on the recent successes and be consistent in their performances at the top level. Overcoming existing managerial and financial issues will be essential for sustainable development in the future. With the progress that has been made, the hockey team is well on its way to reclaiming its place as one of the top teams in the world.