ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan embark on their first-ever appearance in the prestigious FIH Pro League, up against world hockey giants Holland and Argentina, head coach Tahir Zaman says the Greenshirts will rely on “realistic goals, honest hard work, and unwavering fighting spirit” rather than tall promises.
Speaking to The News on Sunday at the conclusion of the national camp at Islamabad’s Bunda Ground, Tahir admitted the challenge ahead is unlike any Pakistan have experienced before. “Pakistan has never tasted the Pro League flavour. It’s an entirely new and demanding stage for us,” he said. “Teams like Argentina and Holland have been playing the League since its inception. We are not even in the top ten of the world rankings, yet our spirit is sky-high. The aim is to show the world that Pakistan hockey still has the desire to fight.”
Tahir Zaman, who recently resolved his differences with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) over player selection, stressed that Pakistan will not indulge in unrealistic claims. “It would be unfair to say we’re going to win the League or beat every opponent. That is not how this works,” he said. “Our primary target is simple but crucial, win a few matches and ensure Pakistan remain part of the Pro League next year. That continuity will be vital for rebuilding the national team.”
When asked about specific target matches, Tahir said it was premature to make predictions. “The Argentina leg and then Australia will only be the beginning. After eight matches, we’ll have a clearer picture and can better strategize for the remaining fixtures. You never rule out early wins, anything can happen, but our deeper focus is on the second leg against India, Spain, Belgium and England, where we believe opportunities exist.”
The Greenshirts open their campaign with four tough outings in Argentina:
Dec 9 – vs Holland
Dec 11 – vs Argentina
Dec 12 – vs Holland
Dec 14 – vs Argentina
These opening clashes, Tahir believes, will be a baptism of fire, but also a priceless learning phase for the young squad.
Beyond the Pro League, the experience is expected to play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s bid to return to the Hockey World Cup after years of absence. “Playing the best sides in the world will harden our players and help build a competitive outfit ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in Egypt in March 2026,” Tahir said.
He added that after the second Pro League leg in Australia where Pakistan face Germany and the hosts, the team should be well-groomed and mentally ready for the qualifiers. “I believe we have a real chance of returning to the World Cup stage. By then, a strong and settled unit should be in place.”
A 20-member squad, along with six officials, will travel for the first leg of the league. Final selections will be announced on Monday. “We trained with 28 players, and all of them will be needed at different stages of the Pro League,” Tahir said. “For now, we will pick 20 players, with the remaining group on standby as reserves. Fitness, form, and discipline will determine rotations.”
