Pakistan must fix defence to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar
In an exclusive interview with Business Recorder, Sardar, who led Pakistan to Olympic gold in 1984 and a World Cup title in 1982, said the team showed real promise in attack, particularly with their ability to score field goals and capitalize on penalty corners.
'The positive thing is that our forward line is scoring field goals and we are converting penalty corners too,' Sardar noted. 'That's very encouraging in modern hockey.'
However, he emphasised that winning the final will require defensive discipline and collective responsibility.
'Defensively, I saw many mistakes. We need to work as a unit, not just in the forward line but overall,' he said. 'When the forwards are out of the game, midfield and defense must step up. They should remain connected like a chain.'
Sardar stressed that modern hockey demands an all-round approach.
'Defense and attack go hand in hand. All eleven players must support each other. That's what wins matches today.'
Nations Cup final: a ticket to the elite level
The Nations Cup is not just a trophy - it's a gateway. A win today will promote Pakistan to the FIH Pro League, joining global powerhouses like Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and India.
'This is a small league, but winning it opens the door to the senior league. That's where real international hockey is played,' said Sardar. 'Pakistan has a high chance of qualifying.'
Road to redemption
Despite a group-stage loss to New Zealand, Pakistan have impressed with resilience and improved structure throughout the tournament. Their semi-final win was a testament to grit and growing confidence.
Now, they get a chance at redemption, against the same team they previously lost to, but with silverware and Pro League promotion on the line.
'I believe this team will win'
Sardar also praised the team's fighting spirit, the team had played throughout the tournament.
'I liked the performance of the Pakistan Hockey team. The matches won and lost were played well. It's a good sign that the team played well,' he said.
'Although they lost to New Zealand earlier, I believe this team will win. Their morale is high, and that's a good sign.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
Neeraj Chopra aims to give Indian athletics a boost with Classic meet
BENGALURU: Former Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra believes his eponymous javelin competition could be the catalyst that transforms India's athletics landscape, as the country prepares to host a world-class field event on Saturday. The inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic will feature an impressive lineup including 2016 Olympic gold medallist Thomas Rohler, 2015 World champion Julius Yego, and Chopra himself alongside domestic talent. 'I never dreamt of this event as I had always thought of representing India and winning medals. Apart from the medals, I now feel that I have given something to India and its athletes,' Chopra told reporters on Friday ahead of the meet in Bengaluru. Chopra, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and silver at the 2024 Paris Games, believes 'the event is just the start for many more international competitions to come to India' and has grander ambitions beyond Saturday's meet. 'We see so many competitions in Germany - A, B, C category, similarly I wish to see at least five to six such world-class competitions in India as well,' the 27-year-old said. Chopra breached the 90-metre mark with a 90.23 throw at the Doha Diamond League in May, while Yego holds the African record at 92.72m and Rohler's personal best stands at 93.90m. Chopra postpones javelin meet amid Pakistan, India conflict While the javelin throw may appear straightforward to the untrained eye, Rohler said it comes with unique pressures. 'Any 90-metre throw has a huge impact on the body … So it's really tough. We have to do the training for the impact and also for the technique. Doing it again and again is a mental challenge,' the German said. 'It's about dealing with the pressure from the outside. In 2012, you won the Olympic Games with 84m,' he added, referring to the mark by Keshorn Walcott of 84.58 that secured gold. 'Now people expect you to throw 90m, and if you don't do it, people ask you, was it a bad day? 'We need to see that the percentage of people in the world who have ever thrown over 90m is so small. If you look at a huge cricket team and if we talk about the top players, it's the same as comparing them to 90m in javelin.' The field will also showcase India's emerging talent - Sachin Yadav, Rohit Yadav, Sahil Silwal and Yashvir Singh - competing alongside international stars in what Chopra hopes will soon become a regular occurrence.
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Stakeholders share feedback after meeting with PSL management
LAHORE: Over the last 10 years we have shown to the world that we have the capacity, capability and organizational skills to pull off a vast six-week tournament across Pakistan involving over 60 overseas players. This was the feedback shared by the stakeholders after a meeting with the management of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The stakeholders of HBL-PSL including representatives of franchises, title sponsor, media rights partners and commercial partners met the management at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Among the participants the representatives of the media rights partners of HBL-PSL also held workshops with the PSL management, which was headed by Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer. Ali Imran, Rao Umar Hashim Khan and Ayaz Imam from Walee Technologies, Trans Group and A Sports, respectively took part in the stakeholders meeting and shared their views with the PCB Digital. PSL's title sponsor HBL was represented by Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Ali Habib, who also lauded the remarkable consistency of the tournament. Ali Imran, Senior Vice President Walee Technologies said, 'I think HBL PSL X was just amazing. Walee partnered with biggest live-streaming and digital platforms in Pakistan including Begin, Daraz, Myco, Tamasha and Tapmad. This is the first time 57.4 million fans from Pakistan streamed the PSL matches and there were over 3.4 billionm views across these platforms. The way the PSL team works is amazing and they have been a great support for Walee Technologies in bringing the HBL PSL closer to the fans. I urge the fans to get ready to witness the biggest PSL event next year as we plan to bring more digital innovations to fore.' Rao Umar Hashim Khan, Group Director Trans Group said, 'Being the pioneer partner, I have the best wishes for the HBL PSL and I feel it is going to become the biggest cricketing event in the world. PSL is growing every season and we are hopeful that we'll showcase lots of good cricket in times to come. It has been an honour for Trans Group to be part of the HBL PSL for the entirety of the 10 seasons. It is such a joy to be a part of the PSL and everywhere we go it feels amazing to represent Pakistan's mega event.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Lionel Messi Inter Miami deal ends December 2025: Find out latest
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami working on new deal to extend stay in MLS beyond 2025 Inter Miami remain optimistic that Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with the Major League Soccer club, as negotiations begin to extend his stay beyond the end of 2025. Messi's current deal is set to expire in December, but discussions are under way between the club, Major League Soccer officials, and the 38-year-old's representatives. There is growing confidence across all parties that an agreement will be reached. Veteran transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Inter Miami's position. Romano also suggested the Argentina captain is open to continuing his American chapter, despite reports linking him to a potential move to Saudi Arabia. 🚨🇺🇸 EXCL: Inter Miami club sources' position on Leo Messi's future. 'Leo is under contract until the end of 2025. The reality is that both parties are interested in continuing the relationship'. 'The necessary steps are being taken with the right mindset to make it happen'. — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2025 Club officials believe his ongoing presence is crucial — not only for Miami but also for the league's visibility in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Messi, who arrived in Florida in 2023, has become the club's all-time leading scorer with 50 goals. His most recent came from a trademark free-kick during the Club World Cup against FC Porto. He featured in all four of Miami's matches at the tournament. 🚨⚽️ 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 | Inter Miami 2-1 Porto (Lionel Messi 54') — EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 19, 2025 Despite Messi's efforts, Inter Miami exited the competition after a 4-0 quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in front of more than 65,000 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Should he agree to terms, Messi is expected to see out his playing days in the US, with speculation mounting that he could also retire from international football after Argentina's title defence at the 2026 World Cup. Messi's continued presence would be a significant asset to Major League Soccer, which has seen a notable rise in global interest and commercial appeal since his arrival.
