The Pakistan Hockey Thread

'Rising Star Award' winner Sufyan Khan aims to reclaim Pakistan’s hockey glory​


After being honoured with the esteemed FIH Rising Star Award 2024, Pakistan's emerging hockey star, Sufyan Khan is determined to help reclaim the country’s lost glory in international hockey.

The 22-year-old forward, who made a mark in multiple international tournaments in 2024, described the award as a major milestone in his career and expressed gratitude to his family and teammates for their unwavering support.

"It’s a special moment for me, and I owe this achievement to my family who have supported me at every step in the journey,” Khan said. “My coaches and teammates have also been a constant source of support, and I want to say thanks to them as well.”

Khan, who scored 12 goals in 2024 across various competitions, reaffirmed his commitment to reviving Pakistan’s historic status in global hockey.

“Pakistan has had a proud legacy in hockey, and I am determined to help bring it back to the level it deserves,” he added.

This year, Khan’s standout performance at the Asian Champions Trophy in China further cemented his name as one of the most promising young players in the sport. He was awarded two Player of the Match titles during the tournament.

His overall performance, which includes scoring 24 goals in 48 matches for Pakistan, has identified him as a key figure in the national team.

 
Pakistan Hockey Players Still Awaiting Payments From Champions Trophy

Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) financial troubles have left the governing body of hockey in the country unable to clear the standing dues of the players for the Asian Champions Trophy.

The news was disclosed by a prominent sports journalist in the country, underscoring PHF’s worsening financial crises. According to reports, the 18-member squad is yet to receive the allocated daily allowance even after two months of efforts.

Pakistan’s hockey team enjoyed one of the most productive spells in its history during the competition, securing the bronze medal with a win over South Korea.

Pakistan was buoyed by the performances of emerging players which raised the hopes of a better future for hockey in the country before financial constraints reared their heads again.

According to sources, PHF has also not paid the Junior team anything for the past three tournaments which could hamper the future of the sport in the country altogether.


 
FIH President Tayyab Ikram announces plans for Pakistan hockey revival

President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Tayyab Ikram, has announced the launch of 'Project Pakistan' to support the revival of hockey in the country.

Tayyab Ikram highlighted that a similar initiative, 'Project India,' was successfully implemented a few years ago, significantly elevating India's hockey status.

He emphasized that 'Project Pakistan' will commence within the next few months, aimed at restoring Pakistan's lost glory in the sport. A similar project will also be initiated for Africa.

Ikram stressed the importance of high performance and professionalism alongside excellent talent. He noted that the primary challenge Pakistan faces is a lack of financial resources, necessitating a robust financial model and 100% commitment from the government. He pointed out that while 12 countries competed in the Paris Olympics, 8-10 more countries could have participated if they had adequate financial models and government commitment.

Tayyab Ikram reiterated that this initiative is crucial not just for Pakistan, but for Asian and world hockey. The FIH has previously supported Pakistan technically and will continue to do so, ensuring equal opportunities for all. He stated that the Pakistani government must also play its role in this revival effort.

Ikram spoke about the trust world hockey has placed in him, describing it as a great honor. His focus will be on empowerment and engagement, especially involving smaller nations to help them emerge on the global stage. Reflecting on the Paris Olympics, where hockey matches saw record viewership, he mentioned the formation of a task force to improve hockey's presentation.

Addressing the Hockey Five format, Ikram noted that it aims to bridge the gap between member countries. He highlighted how the event held in January featured smaller nations playing alongside major hockey countries, with Oman winning a bronze medal. This increased confidence among all participating teams, motivating them to strive harder.

Ikram also discussed the advancement of technology in hockey, stating that the sport is ahead of many other federations in this regard. He compared it with cricket, acknowledging the technical challenges in such comparisons due to hockey's multi-directional movements. He emphasized the ongoing work to incorporate AI technology in ensuring fair play.


Tribune
 
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