Written by: Tanveer Ali
Posted on: October 02, 2024 | 
| 中文
Pakistan won their first hockey gold at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
Pakistan has a history of unparalleled success in field hockey. The Pakistani hockey team had a golden era from 1950 to 1990, during which it achieved three Olympic gold medals in 1960, 1968, and 1984; four World Cups in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994; and many Asian Games gold medals. The national team also triumphed in the Champions Trophy, establishing Pakistan's position as the world’s leading team in hockey. Great performers such as Hassan Sardar, Samiullah Khan, Abdul Waheed Khan, Akhtar Rasool and Shahbaz Ahmed showed what was an emerging team, performing with skill, speed and pure intelligence. The World Cup victory in 1994 stands as an example of when Pakistan was at the top of world hockey for the last time. Since then, the situation has worsened for Pakistan, and it has not recorded any notable performances internationally. This downfall resulted in the national team being unable to qualify for the 2014 and 2023 Hockey World Cups, not to mention the last three Olympics: 2016, 2020 and 2024. Pakistan hockey team, which previously ranked at the top in the world, can now barely compete against middle-ranking teams, highlighting how the sport has degraded in the country. Below are some of the main reasons why Pakistan hockey is in such a state of shambles and disarray.
Pakistan playing against New Zealand at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956.
One of the leading factors is the government’s frequent neglect and lack of financial support for hockey, as cricket is favoured over other sports. The budget for hockey is meagre, insufficient to sustain a fully functional governing body. The condition is such that the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had no funds to send the team for the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, and was bailed out by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB)’s grant of 23 million PKR. The President of PHF Tariq Hussain Bugti told Al Jazera that the total annual budget of the federation is 4 million PKR, while one international tour of the team costs around 30 million PKR. The PHF President says that the federation is dependent on government’s grants to participate in international events.
A file photo of Pakistan hockey team.
Part of the reason why Pakistan lagged behind is that grass grounds were replaced by synthetic turfs in international hockey by the late 1990s. As one artificial turf costs close to 500,000 USD, more funds were needed for their maintenance. Struggling with finances, PHF could not provide these modern facilities to its players, resulting in deteriorating performance in international competitions. Moreover, as a good hockey stick costs around 20,000 PKR and a good shoe suitable for synthetic turfs costs around 50,000 PKR, which in the dismal state of Pakistan’s economy is difficult for young players to afford. While other nations have quickly embraced artificial pitches and equipped players with necessary equipment, Pakistan has lagged behind, leaving its players at a disadvantaged position in terms of speed, fitness and techniques needed to perform at international level.
Pakistan hockey team playing on an artificial turf.
The governing body for hockey in Pakistan, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), has suffered from political interference, nepotism and mismanagement over the years. The presidency of the PHF changes invariably with the arrival of a new government, which often brings its own loyalists to the post. Even if the old guard survives this transition, leadership often clashes with those in power as they seek to assert their independence. As of April 2024, two competing groups, one headed by Shehla Raza and the other by Tariq Bugti, claimed to be the ‘real PHF’ and vowed to send their team for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, but a warning from the International Hockey Federation (IHF) and the government of Pakistan’s intervention settled the issue. Irregularities in management and competing groups have also led to suspicions of corruption, embezzlement of funds and inflated expenses for domestic sports events. The frequent leadership changes, not complemented by consistent planning, strategic thinking, or a clear vision for the long-term development of the sport, have made rebuilding nearly impossible.
Pakistan and India hockey teams playing against each other.
Compounding this issue is the lack of a grassroots structure for hockey in schools, colleges, and universities. Without an official system to develop youth players, the pool of identified talent has eroded. The absence of a professional hockey league in Pakistan further complicates players’ ability to gain competitive experience, learn and obtain the exposure necessary to compete globally.
To revive hockey in Pakistan, a comprehensive action plan is essential. One suggestion is the formation of a Pakistan Hockey League, similar to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the premier cricket league in the country. This league could generate revenue, attract sponsorships, and provide more practice opportunities for local players. It would also expand players’ chances to compete in a higher league, offering them a clearer pathway to engage with international players. Such a league could provide financial support for cash-strapped hockey players, allowing them to earn a decent livelihood.
Pakistan team on the attack against England during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
The government must allocate attention, time and funds to rejuvenate the sport. Without governmental support, this monumental task may prove insurmountable for the PHF alone. Furthermore, the PHF must operate free from government influence and internal politics to succeed. Favouritism has exacerbated the existing issues within the federation. Merit-based appointments at all levels of management and coaching could restore much-needed transparency, without requiring the creation of a new professional organization. Shedding unnecessary personnel from the federation is crucial for the smooth operation of the system, which could improve the living standards of players, coaches and staff, thereby encouraging more talent to pursue hockey as a career and freeing up revenue for the PHF.
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