The elusive Cup

Pakistan played well at the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia – far better than they have over the last so many years – but failed to win the final fight, against Japan. Reaching the final winning all their round matches – against Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Canada and New Zealand – Team Pakistan was expected to lift Azlan Shah Cup, after a long gap of 21 years. The fact that Green Shirts made it to the final of the 30th edition of the Malaysian tournament after 13 years does point to a sort of revival of hockey in the country.

The final witnessed a keen contest befitting a decider. Japan, world number 15, shot into the lead in the first quarter and maintained it through the second one. Pakistan, world number 16, bounced back in the third quarter, scoring two goals in quick succession to make it 2-1. Japan, however, equalised the score in the final quarter to take the game into the penalty shootout and came out eventual winners – for the first time in the history of Azlan Shah Cup.

Even though Pakistan failed to break the long drawn victory drought, the silver medal that they earned in Malaysia is being praised at home and abroad. The team showed satisfactory skill in both attack and defence. Sufyan Khan, the drag flick specialist who was also adjudged Player of the Tournament, exhibited great promise, in particular.

The momentum achieved at Azlan Shah Cup must not be squandered. While the current hockey unit needs to be encouraged through awards, rewards and better facilities, the hockey czars in the country must make every effort to popularise and patronise the national sport. There is the need to revive hockey at club level; rope national departments back into the game; and bring in sponsors to launch a hockey league on the pattern of PSL. The Azlan Cup propulsion must not die down.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2024.

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