Pakistan’s qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, following a 4-3 victory over Japan in the semi-final of the qualification round, was nothing short of a miracle. This is less due to the circumstances of the qualifications or the match against Japan itself and more because of the off-field disaster that preceded this qualification. Around a month prior, the team was practically left to fend for itself during the FIH Pro League in Australia, with the then management failing to arrange for proper travel and accommodation for the players. The outrage from fans and some players following this development led to a major shakeup in the country’s hockey hierarchy, with the then-president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) stepping down. Thankfully, by qualifying for their first world cup in eight years, the team is showing signs that they are recovering from how they have been mistreated. This week, Pakistan hockey players expressed renewed confidence and determination after securing qualification, saying improved support from management and government officials has boosted morale and strengthened their belief in the future of the sport. In particular, players have highlighted better facilities and professional protocols. It has also been nice to see the prime minister announce a Rs1.5 million cash prize for each player.
However, this renewed support for hockey must not be a temporary flash in the pan, sparked by what happened in Australia. Given that the status quo in Pakistan hockey for the past few decades has been to neglect and ignore, things must not return to normal once the memories of the Australia scandal begin to fade. The current levels of support and recognition must not only be maintained but improved upon. This will probably be a precondition of returning the nation’s hockey scene to its glory days. Emerging stars like Mohammad Ammad, who scored a crucial goal against Japan in the semi-final of the qualifying tournament and earned the player of the match award, must receive the kind of support that helps them reach their potential.
Equally crucial will be ensuring a steady pipeline of talent into the team and that the entire hockey setup receives the exposure it needs and deserves. Field hockey remains the country’s national support and it is high time that it is, given the profile that any national sport deserves. While few are expecting Pakistan to win the world cup in August, the fact that the team seems to have bounced back from arguably its lowest moment is a good enough win for now. The new management deserves credit for this and must now work on ways to build on what it has achieved thus far. The revival of Pakistan hockey will not happen overnight, but this world cup qualification could well be its beginning.
