The team, which has qualified for the Hockey World Cup after an eight year wait, was greeted with bouquets, flower showers, and honorary scarves at Islamabad Airport. Among the dignitaries present were Federal Parliamentary Secretary Kiran Durrani, officials from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, and executives of the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
Mohiuddin Wani, president of the federation, praised the players’ grit and determination, emphasizing that the squad will now focus on refining their strategies for both the Pro Hockey League and the upcoming World Cup.
‘The players have shown remarkable skill and unity,’ Wani remarked. ‘The next step is fine-tuning our game and ensuring we enter the World Cup with peak form.’
The Hockey World Cup is scheduled to kick off on August 14 in Belgium and the Netherlands. Before the global stage, Pakistan will test its mettle against Belgium, Spain, India, and England in pre-tournament league matches.
With the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment and a cash reward to boost morale, Pakistan’s hockey team seems poised to make a mark and reclaim its legacy in world hockey.
