Pakistan Hockey Team Wins Silver Medal
The team's silver medal win and improved FIH ranking are a testament to their potential, but the lack of support and financial compensation remains a significant challenge for Pakistani athletes, highlighting the need for increased investment and resources to help them compete at the highest level.
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Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt has hailed the team's silver medal win in the FIH Nations Cup as a promising step forward for national hockey, after the team reached their first major final in 11 years and defeated New Zealand 6-2 in the final in Kuala Lumpur.
The team's performance was seen as a milestone, signaling their potential, and the players and coaches expressed gratitude to the team's support staff. However, they lamented the absence of any government representative to welcome them upon arrival. Coach Tahir Zaman attributed the loss to the team's underexposure to international matches, but noted that the team's FIH ranking has improved.
The team's success has also highlighted the long-standing issue of insufficient support and financial compensation for Pakistani athletes, particularly in hockey. The Pakistan hockey team has protested the Pakistan Sports Board's (PSB) offer of a daily allowance of Rs400, calling it inadequate. Team captain Imad Shakeel Butt declined the offer, stating the amount is insufficient to cover toll expenses.
The incident underscores the need for consistent support and opportunities for the players to focus on development, and coach Tahir Zaman has emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the team's continued progress and success in international competitions.