Horrible hockey show

Many blame the Pakistan Hockey Federation for failing to build a system that nurtures talent

Pakistan's disastrous run at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup was capped off with a 5-3 defeat to arch-rivals India, in which the boys in green were thoroughly outplayed. The Pakistan team was knocked out with just a solitary point to show - from a draw against Wales. While nobody seriously expected Pakistan to seriously challenge for the trophy, as the most successful team in World Cup history, there was still hope that the team would hold its own. Instead, the latest disappointment extends an inglorious period in the national hockey team's history, failing to make the podium in 32 years since winning the 1994 World Cup. The national hockey team's early successes are why it earned the status of our national sport, while the last 30 years of failure are why many young people are dumbfounded when they learn cricket is not the official national sport.

For anyone under 30, the national hockey team is not made up of world beaters. It is a team that failed to even qualify for two of the last four World Cups, and the limited success it has had at lesser events has been tainted by extreme inconsistency. Amazingly, the World Cup performance is still an improvement over what happened during the FIH Pro League earlier this year, when Pakistan lost all 16 matches and had an astounding net goal difference of -57.

Many former players and commentators have blamed the Pakistan Hockey Federation for failing to build a system that nurtures talent and helps develop competitive teams. Making matters worse is the dictatorial manner in which the board treats players - players were forced to cook their own meals and wash dishes at a guest house after the federation failed to fund a proper hotel. When Captain Ammad Butt complained in public, he was suspended, even though the suspension was quickly withdrawn.

However, even with a broken system, we would expect a team of notable talents to still be able to band together and put up some memorable flourishes. Instead, the bottom-of-the-barrel performances suggest the team also lacks raw talent and skills. The nation that once gave the world some of the finest hockey ever played now struggles to field a world-class first eleven.