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Pakistan has been the last three long decades to stand at the World Hockey Summit for the last time. Olympic gold memories in Los Angeles, 1984, the victory of the 1994 World Cup in Sydney, and the victory of the Champions Trophy on domestic soil in Lahore, 1998, now feels like the artifacts of the forgotten golden age.
Since then, Pakistan hockey has witnessed not only performance, but also the tragic decline of identity, structure and leadership. Despite the top six in the world rankings in the early 2000s, cracks have already appeared. By 2008, the team reached the eighth -10th place, and the spiral downward faster.
One of the major reasons for this murder is political interference and spmewhatmismanmaged. Appointments at the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) began to reflect government interests instead of merit of sports. Political figures were nominated to lead hockey without the skills or vision needed for international competition.
The first major humiliation took place in 2014, when Pakistan failed to qualify for the FIH World Cup in the Hague. Following the resignation of Qasim Zia and Olympian Asif Bajwa, the authorities appointed Chaudhry Akhtar Rasool and Olympian Rana Mujahid to run the game, which was considered a debatable decision. After that, Pakistan failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics and national pride was another blow.
In 2015, the appointment of Khalid Sajjad Khokhar Valley as President of the PHF. The decision ignored the need for reforms and deepened the crisis. According to the PHF constitution, the Chief-PHF, who works as the Prime Minister- is the only authority to appoint the President by neglecting the Congress. The system has strangled any democratic efforts within the federation so that it can take itself on the track.
Meanwhile, the global hockey scenario was being developed. In 2015, the FIH replaced the historic Champions Trophy with the Hockey World League, which eventually moved to the FIH Pro League in 2018. Pakistan was part of the opening edition. However, internal politics also took off the occasion.
Subsequently, Pakistan is unable to host matches at home due to security issues, PHF discussed expensive domestic arrangements with Scotland Hockey – the deal that proved to be financially disabled.
Argentina, a few days before the main matches in the brigade. Khakukhar and Aiz Mahmood suddenly pulled out the team, citing the lack of funds. But later, documents revealed that more than 20 million rupees were sufficient in the PHF account to maintain the league. The withdrawal was not just one. It was a treachery. Many people think of the real killing of Pakistan hockey, which is on the team, ranked 18th in the world rankings.
After almost seven years of frustration, humiliation and exit of global hockey, it seems that it is changing in favor of Pakistan.
In a recent ray of hope, Pakistan lost to New Zealand, reached the final of the FIH Nations Cup. Nevertheless, the runner-up position was enough to secure a prestigious place in the next FIH Pro League 2025-26, which is a Premier Tournament that includes the top 9 teams of international hockey: the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Australia, Belgium, India, Argentina, Argentina, India, India, India, Argentina.
This opportunity is not just symbolic, it is strategic. Catalist Pakistan can be a hockey to compete against these advanced countries, so there is a dire need to re -claim their dominance in Asia and keep itself in the 2026 Hockey World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The form of the Pro League is harsh: Each team plays two matches against each other team, which has 16 top steaks in the total season. In general, most countries host 6 to 8 matches, which generates significant income through ticket sales, sponsorship and broadcasting rights. The rest of the matches are played abroad, mostly in Europe, on compressed system schedules. For example, India hosted 8 matches at home in the last Pro League event and played in the remaining 25 days in Europe.
If Pakistan produces a copy of this model, it can not only reduce the costs but also generate more income than its spending. Hosting matches at home may generate considerable income.
Conservative estimates show that the total cost for the league’s full season does not exceed 150 million, but with proper planning and marketing, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) can earn up to 15 million.
Unfortunately, old habits die hard. At a recent joint press conference by the PHF and Pakistan Sports Board, officials claimed that the PKR 750 million would be needed to attend the Pro League. This figure raised serious eyebrows. According to some experts, it not only reflects the disturbing shortage of professionalism, but also on “criminal misrepresentation” on financial irresponsibility. Such firm estimates not only reduce reputation but also risk the risk of preventing potential sponsors and government support.
At this time, this opportunity is a gift, the desert has earned severe earnings after years. Pakistan hockey is once again at the doorstep of the Elite International Competition. But the dignity will only come when the occasion is organized with transparency, planning and integrity.
The question is, will the PHF eventually be liberated from the trap of politics and mismanagement or will we witness the elimination of another suicide?
For almost two decades, security concerns have separated Pakistan from the World Sports community. International teams refused to tour, the stadiums were silenced, and fans were left with memories instead of matches. But today, this loneliness is gone.
In a historic change, Pakistan has restored peace and confidence not only politically but in the field of global sports diplomacy. Only this year, Pakistan hosted the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, welcoming top cricket countries like Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand. It would have been unimaginable a few years ago.
But this is not just cricket that is returning.
In March 2025, Pakistan proudly hosted the German U -21 National Hockey Team, the move showed confidence in the world’s most disciplined hockey countries. Earlier, German and Dutch club teams visited and competed with local parties, which established strong ties between Pakistan and European hockey. In addition, embassies from leading hockey countries are actively cooperating with Pakistani clubs and academies, facilitating training, equipment exchange and goodwill matches.
This growing international engagement gives some powerful indicators: Pakistan is once again ready to host the Pro League hockey matches on domestic soil.
Bringing the FIH Pro League to Pakistan only offers more than the cost -earning benefits. Yes, it will save tens of millions of sports in Europe or Australia compared to hosting sports, but even more importantly, it re -handles the spirit of hockey at the grassroots level. In and before the 1990s, stadiums and sticks in each locality were common places. The restoration of top tear hockey at home can encourage a new generation, as the gold medal of 1984 once.
But the time is short, and the stake is high.
If Pakistan fails to participate in the Pro League, the alternative is dark. The team will be forced to play abroad Nations Cup or similar low profile tournaments, which will include 6-8 matches, which will have almost the same costs but none of the benefits of any dignity or rating. For years, Pakistan has participated in second -degree programs like Nations Cup, which offer little in terms of competition or exhibition.
The FIH Pro League is not just a tournament. It is a global ticket. It is the only platform where Pakistan can compete the best, improve global rankings, attract sponsorship, and restore public and media interest. The speed is there, the world is watching, and for the first time in decades, Pakistan has a security infrastructure to back it.
But this pace can only become a movement with leadership, transparency and courage.
This is the last whistle for the excuse and possibly the first whistle of a new golden period. The future of Pakistan hockey begins now.
