Silver lining in Malaysia: Can Pakistan hockey rise again? | Sports

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Last week, the Malaysian message echoed, which reminded the world of sleeping giant. Pakistan’s national hockey team, once intimidated and respected, reached the final of the FIH Nations Cup. Although he fell to New Zealand in the title collision, this success is not due to silver medals but represents it: a delicate but important spark of hope for the game, which has been brought to knees through years of administrative chaos, policy mistakes and state neglect.

In the final, New Zealand’s 6-2 loss was eliminated, but it should not be removed from the summit from Pakistan’s enthusiastic journey. He started a thrilling 3-3 draw against the host Malaysia, overwhelmed Japan 5-2, who initially defeated New Zealand 4-3 in a group match, and then dramatically returned against France, which won the shoot-out 3-2 before 3-3. The semi -final win, which is powered by the match player Rana Wayed Ashraf, is a sign of Pakistan’s fighting. Ashraf said, “We gave everything,” which summarized the spirit that has long forwarded the supporting system.

Pakistan last received an important international award in 1994, which led the World Cup under the leadership of Shahbaz Ahmed Senior. He had the skills and vision of the race, senior and junior of Shahbaz, Tahir Zaman, Naveed Alam, Sohail Abbas, Shakeel Abbasi and others. But when he joined the coaching and federation’s roles, internal utilities and lack of merit. Their inheritance can not be translated into success.

After that there was a slow, painful lack. An important turning point came after the Bijing Olympics 2008. The then PHF President Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali and Secretary Khalid Mahmood launched a player welfare program under coach Naveed Alam. Young athletes were given education, scholarship and structural training. It was an insightful project, supported by Tahir Zaman. But after the disappointing Olympic campaign and the consequent change in the PHF leadership, the program was abolished.

Until 2010, Pakistan hit the rock down, and ended the last time in the World Cup in India, even lost to South Africa. Still, the same people are in charge, without any accountability. Pakistan, the only country with four World Cup and three Olympic hockey gold, was not eligible for the Olympics and the World Cup.

In Global Hockey, the switches from the grass to the artificial turf exposed another deficiency: Pakistan has never modernized training methods or invested in turf -based infrastructure.

As President of the PHF, during the government of Qasim Zia, the PPP -led federal government and the contribution of provincial governments have improved financial support. But structural changes have never come. And worse was still to come.

When companies like PIA, NBP, and WAPDA abolished their hockey teams and stopped hiring players, it created a gap. Universities and colleges stopped offering hockey admission. Result? No employment safety, no pipeline, no future. And likewise, the national game started to die quietly.

Yet in the midst of this dark background, Pakistan’s silver medal in Malaysia is long. Yes, they lost the final and lost their qualifications for the FIH Pro League, but as a result of New Zealand’s withdrawal, Pakistan was invited to attend anyway. This is an opportunity that should not be nonsense.

Team Captain Emad Butt acknowledged the emotional loss but remained optimistic. “With proper help and encouragement, we can produce even better results,” he said.

The current team did not even get a daily allowance during the tournament, which is a harmful person in the state’s apathy. PHF President and Secretary Rana Mujahid demanded maximum institutional support and support for the private sector. They are fine Without sustainable financial support and sovereignty, Pakistan will survive hockey, will not achieve development.

Despite everything, enthusiastic people continue to serve the game. In Lahore, Dar’s Academy regularly sends players to international tours.

Pir Saleem Amir runs an excellent academy in Sargodha. The late Rana Zaheer’s work in Lahore, the hard work of Khwaja Junaid in Lahore and the local level efforts in Sheikhupura of Mobashir Chaudhry have kept young players engaged in hockey. Their job is a game lifeline.

There is also an inactive dream that is worth restoring: Pakistan Super Hockey League. Developed after the successful Pakistan Super League (PSL) in cricket, this move can be of interest, the corporate fund can be brought, and local players can get an international exhibition. Why not PSL franchises are involved in its creation? If a national hockey stadium in Lahore can once again roar for its hockey heroes, this global focus will not only be for his past, but his ability to return to Pakistan.

To do so, the government has to take steps. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and all provincial governments have to recognize the national importance of hockey. It’s not just about old memories. It is about claiming identity and pride through a game that once praised Pakistan’s global stature.

The players are ready. The coaches are ready. Fans are still loyal. It is all missing, vision, planning and political will. Let the silver medal in Malaysia begin the golden future, if we only dare to dream, and even more importantly, act. Pakistan deserves better hockey. And now deserves it.

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