Pakistan sports standards are dwindling in a year when the country won its first-ever gold medal at the Olympics. While Nadeem Arshad provided the nation a momentous occasion but the most popular sport cricket and the national sport hockey have dipped disappointingly. Ask any Gen Z representative and they will laugh when told hockey is our national sport. You will not find a hockey stick in any sports shop in your neighbourhood as very few boys now play the sport.
After years of neglect due to the national hockey team’s abysmal standing and poor results, the incumbents have turned their eyes and ears towards hockey. Pakistan team finished runners-up in Azlan Shah Hockey tournament has slightly changed the fortunes of this otherwise neglected game, a sport where Pakistan had achieved unparalleled success in the past. The Prime Minister, aided by Youth adviser Rana Mashood, encouraged the team for their show in Malaysia. Promises of support were made, part of some stalled money was cleared and performance was appreciated. It encouraged the players to the hilt. Admirably, the Army chief also accorded the team which was very encouraging.
But PHF, being PHF, blew the success out of proportion. It was akin to Pakistan winning the tournament or as if we had qualified for the Olympics. Remember, Pakistan has not qualified for the last three Olympics. Yes, three! That has happened to a country which has three Olympic titles. They projected it as the “revival of Pakistan hockey.” They were remembered by former players, media and fans that it was just the first step towards revival, and not the renaissance.
The Azlan Cup show and the attention it received raised expectations from the team in the nine-nation Nations Cup in Poland. But it was totally opposite. PHF failed to provide the players with daily allowances and in a shameful manner the players were forced to use the same Azlan Shah kit with a tape to hide the name of the tournament. It was totally unacceptable. To further make matters shambolic, PHF President Tariq Bugti and secretary Rana Mujahid were seen in Poland on a joyride. It cost the PHF serious money, a figure for which is circulating on social media.
Despite a poor fourth finish in Poland, the team did show spark in the event. In a remarkable turnaround Pakistan levelled the match 4-4 against Malaysia after trailing 1-4. It showed the players can fight on end. They then ruthlessly demolished Canada 8-1, a game that showed the brand of hockey needed to adopt. Alas, that was the last good show. Pakistan lost the next three matches and failed to qualify for the Pro League, which is the pathway to bigger international events.
The Asian Champions Trophy also brought mixed results in China. PHF trumpeted they had sent the team on borrowed money. Pakistan showed promise by qualifying for the semi-final and on their way beat the same China team to which they lost in the semis. They also lost to India. It was a deja vu as Pakistan once again came a cropper on penalty shoot out. After a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time, it came down to a shootout. Pakistan once again showed frailties in this stage, failing to convert any of the four chances, while China scored twice to carry the day.
Despite the hockey team’s progression from 18 to 15 in the FIH rankings. But off the problems are continuing with players waiting for their daily allowances. If reports are to be believed a player gets Rs. 35,000 as daily allowance but PHF has not cleared their dues for the Champions Trophy with the event finishing on September 17. When the media highlighted the lack of payments, secretary Rana Mujahid and Bugti came out in their defence, saying the money will be released soon but the promise has not been fulfilled. Conversely, the two top two officials on joyride reportedly got more than $300 per day!
There have been some private sponsorships raised by a private company with PTCL doling out a handsome amount. The Pakistan government must also come forward. PM Shahbaz Sharif is known to take quick decisions. The PM must make PHF officials accountable and direct Rana Mashood to serve as a bridge between the players and officials.
Olympian Tahir Zaman has a successful track record as coach at the international level. He too is waiting for his fee and can only motivate players if the dues are cleared. Pakistan’s next assignment is a development event in China where some new players should be sent as an investment for the future.
