Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash reward of Rs1.5 million for each player of Pakistan’s national hockey team after their impressive performance in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The announcement recognizes the team’s determination and their achievement of qualifying for the World Cup after an eight year absence.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, the reward acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the players and serves as a step toward promoting hockey in Pakistan.
“This initiative is not only an acknowledgement of the team’s hard work and dedication to the sport but also a major step toward the promotion of hockey in Pakistan,” the PM Office said in the statement.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by sports fans and former players, many of whom see it as an important signal of renewed government support for the national sport.
Dramatic Victory That Secured World Cup Spot
Pakistan secured qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after defeating Japan 4–3 in a dramatic semifinal during the qualifiers held in Ismailia, Egypt. The match showcased the resilience of the Pakistani team, which made a strong comeback after falling behind during the game.
Pakistan initially took the lead in the first quarter before Japan equalized in the second. Japan then moved ahead with two goals in the third quarter to take a 3–1 lead. However, the Green Shirts mounted a remarkable comeback in the final quarter, scoring three goals to clinch the thrilling victory.
Muhammad Ammad, Abu Bakar Mahmood, Sufyan Khan and Afraz each scored one goal for Pakistan. Muhammad Ammad was declared Player of the Match for his standout performance.
Statistics from the match showed Pakistan’s attacking dominance with 28 circle penetrations compared to Japan’s 17, reflecting the team’s aggressive approach throughout the contest.
Renewed Hope for Pakistan’s National Sport
Hockey holds a special place in Pakistan’s sporting history. The country has won four Olympic gold medals and four Hockey World Cups, making it one of the most successful nations in the sport. However, the team has struggled in recent decades due to financial constraints, administrative issues and lack of infrastructure.
The recent qualification for the 2026 World Cup has sparked renewed hope for the revival of Pakistan’s national game. Sports analysts say the team’s performance in the qualifiers has reignited enthusiasm among fans across the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised the players for their commitment and encouraged them to maintain the same spirit in future competitions. He assured that the government will continue to provide facilities and support to help the team perform at the highest level.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Hockey World Cup
The FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands and will feature 16 teams from around the world. Pakistan’s qualification marks an important milestone for the national team as it aims to restore its historic dominance in international hockey.
With government recognition, financial incentives and growing public support, experts believe Pakistan hockey could be entering a new phase of revival. If the momentum continues, the Green Shirts may once again become a formidable force in global hockey.
