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Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
A flicker of hope: Pakistan hockey's slow return to the global stage
For a nation that once ruled the hockey world with an iron grip, Pakistan's recent back-to-back final appearances in the FIH Nations Cup and the Men's U18 Asia Cup in 2025 have reignited a spark of hope. After decades of underachievement, these runner-up finishes in 2025, while not yielding trophies, mark a shift in momentum for a sport that has languished far from its glorious past. The Green Shirts, for the first time in years, are being discussed not just in terms of legacy, but also in terms of possibility. The weight of history Pakistan's hockey pedigree is unmatched in Asia. Four World Cup titles, three Olympic golds, and a host of continental triumphs once positioned the country as a field hockey superpower. The 1980s in particular saw dominance under players like Hassan Sardar, Islahuddin, and Shahbaz Ahmed Sr., whose influence extended well beyond the field. But the decline has been sharp. The last major title, the 1994 World Cup in Sydney, is now over three decades old. Since then, the national team has missed out on World Cups and Olympic Games, dropped in rankings, and watched its domestic infrastructure erode. The National Hockey Stadium in Lahore, once the largest of its kind, now reflects this neglect. Turning a corner The FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia, where Pakistan beat France in the semifinal before falling to New Zealand, marked the senior team's first final appearance in a major FIH event in more than ten years. Captain Ammad Butt called it a 'revival' of the sport. While perhaps premature, the performance did signal tactical improvement and competitive intent. The Under-18 squad followed closely in China, reaching the final of the Asia Cup after dominant wins in the group stage. Despite losing to Japan in the final, the emergence of players like Ali Hamza and Hasan Shahbaz has given observers reason to hope for a more sustainable pipeline of talent. The campaigns were far from perfect, but in the context of Pakistani hockey's broader decline, reaching two finals in the span of a month is a notable achievement. Why this moment matters Pakistan's entry into the 2025-26 FIH Pro League, made possible after New Zealand withdrew, presents an unprecedented opportunity. For years, Pakistan's biggest handicap has been its absence from consistent high-level competition. The Pro League could bridge that gap, but only if backed by adequate preparation, financial support, and institutional consistency. These appearances also suggest a deeper, if tentative, recovery. The senior team's Nations Cup run showed a return to structure and belief. The U18 team's progress reflected the potential of younger players even under difficult circumstances, including limited training time and logistical delays. Persistent challenges However, systemic issues continue to threaten any long-term revival. Reports of players going unpaid for weeks after the Nations Cup and the absence of central contracts reflect the Pakistan Hockey Federation's financial instability. Private donors temporarily filling the gap is not a sustainable model. Pakistan still lacks a professional domestic league, an essential platform for developing match-ready talent. Facilities remain underfunded, and administrative turnover has made long-term planning difficult. Political tensions in the region are another factor. Pakistan's participation in upcoming tournaments in India, including the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup, remains uncertain due to visa restrictions and unresolved diplomatic issues. If unresolved, these barriers could again limit international exposure for emerging players. A fragile opportunity There is no shortage of goodwill. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and national cricket captain Babar Azam have both publicly supported the hockey team. But symbolic gestures alone will not revive the sport. A professional structure, improved facilities, and guaranteed financial backing remain critical. The recent visit by Germany's U21 team, the first in 21 years, was a positive sign, but Pakistan needs more than isolated events to rejoin the international elite. Veteran Hassan Sardar, a legend of the 1980s era, sees potential in the current squad. 'These boys have the heart to fight,' he said. 'But heart alone won't win World Cups. They need structure, support, and belief from the system.' The way forward For Pakistan hockey's revival to be more than a moment, it needs structure beneath the sentiment. As former captain Islahuddin suggested earlier, 'Rebuilding must start from the grassroots.' Reviving club hockey and restoring school and college competitions is crucial to developing young talent. 'Without a proper pipeline, we'll keep recycling the same problems,' he warned. A major gap continues to be the lack of consistent exposure to high-level international competition. Without opportunities to face top-ranked teams or participate in overseas leagues, players miss out on the experience needed to raise their game beyond local standards. Equally pressing is the absence of financial incentives. The phasing out of institutional jobs, contracts, and long-term benefits has made hockey an increasingly unattractive career path for young athletes. Without financial stability, many are turning away from the sport altogether. Governance is another central concern. Years of internal politics and ad-hoc decision-making have eroded confidence in the system. Any meaningful progress will require professional management, transparency, and long-term planning. Pakistan has the talent, but without systems to support it, that talent will continue to be wasted.
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
FIH yet to decide NZ replacement in Pro League, denies inviting Pakistan
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) clarified on Thursday that it has not yet reached the stage of inviting a replacement team for the upcoming FIH Pro League, following reports that Pakistan had been invited to participate. FIH Senior Manager of Communications, Nicolas Mangot told Geo News that as per the tournament regulations, the winner of the Nations Cup earns the right to participate in the next edition of the Pro League. Pakistan must fix defence to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar 'If the winning team declines the invitation, the runner-up may be considered. However, New Zealand, the winner of the Nations Cup, has not yet provided any update regarding its participation,' Mangot added. The clarification comes in response to reports claiming that the FIH had extended an invitation to the Pakistan hockey team after New Zealand reportedly opted out. Earlier, several media outlets had reported that Pakistan had been offered a place in the elite Pro League after New Zealand declined to participate. However, the FIH has now confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding a substitute team.
Business Recorder
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
New Zealand crush Pakistan 6-2 in FIH Nations Cup final
Relentless New Zealand crushed Pakistan 6-2 in the final of the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The Kiwis overwhelmed Pakistan with five first-half goals, rattling Pakistan's fragile defence. The dominant Black Sticks added one more goal in the second half to secure a 6-2 victory, and with that, their second consecutive title and the opportunity to step up to the top-tier FIH Hockey Pro League. Pakistan must fix defence to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar The tone was set early, with New Zealand twice finding the back of the net in the opening minutes, only for both goals to be disallowed. Still, they kept up the pressure and eventually broke through when Scott Cosslett converted a penalty corner to open the scoring. Just as Pakistan began to find their rhythm and enjoy some possession finally, New Zealand struck again, Jonty Elmes setting up Sam Hiha to double their lead. Early in the second quarter, a long pass into the circle found Dylan Thomas, who reacted quickest to a rebound off the keeper to make it 3-0. Sean Findlay then blasted in a fourth after receiving an aerial pass just inside the circle and somehow slotting it in from the sharpest of angles. Just under 10 minutes later, the Black Sticks were at it again when a lifted ball came off the Pakistani goalkeeper, and Scott Boyde was on hand to swat it home, sending the New Zealanders into the half-time break with a commanding 5-0 lead. Left with a mountain to climb in the second half, Pakistan finally got off the mark in the 33rd minute when Moin Shakeel found the back of the net from close range. Suddenly, the men in green sprang to life, creating far more chances and looking threatening. But the New Zealand defence stood firm. The Kiwis added one more goal from a penalty corner in the final three minutes of the match, Cosslett's second successful drag flick, to rub salt in Pakistan's wounds. Sufyan Khan then found one last consolation for Pakistan off a penalty corner of their own to make the 6-2 scoreline slightly more respectable.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan must fix defence to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar
As Pakistan gear up to face New Zealand in the final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur today, former Olympian Hassan Sardar has praised the team's attacking improvements but cautioned that defensive lapses must be addressed to clinch the title and earn promotion to the prestigious FIH Pro League. 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.'
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan must fix defense to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar
As Pakistan gear up to face New Zealand in the final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur today, former Olympian Hassan Sardar has praised the team's attacking improvements but cautioned that defensive lapses must be addressed to clinch the title and earn promotion to the prestigious FIH Pro League. 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. '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.' Watch Live Pakistani fans can catch the final live at 6:00 PM PST on Tapmad.
