Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a cash reward of Rs1.5 million for each players of Pakistan national hockey team following their success in the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers, according to state-run Radio Pakistan. The announcement celebrates the team’s qualification for the upcoming Hockey World Cup, marking Pakistan’s return to the tournament after an eight-year absence. The event will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands in August.
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A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) highlighted that the team’s performance is a “significant step towards promoting hockey in Pakistan.” The premier also acknowledged the players’ dedication and hard work, emphasizing that their success in the qualifiers had “generated excitement and enthusiasm among hockey fans” nationwide.
Pakistan secured their spot in the World Cup after a thrilling 4-3 victory against Japan in the semi-final of the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifier held at the Suez Canal Authority Hockey Stadium in Egypt on March 6. This result guaranteed the Green Shirts a place in the upcoming tournament and marked a major milestone in their journey to regain global hockey prominence.
Once a dominant force in international hockey, Pakistan has won the World Cup four times but struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands, and missing out on the 2023 World Cup in Odisha, India.
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Prime Minister Sharif stressed that the monetary reward serves as a “clear testament” to the team’s steadfastness and commitment to the sport. The government hopes the recognition and incentive will inspire the players to continue elevating Pakistan’s standing in international hockey while encouraging broader national interest in the game.