Manzar Naqvi
KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a cash prize of Rs1.5 million for each player of the national hockey team in recognition of their outstanding performance in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, praising the team for bringing renewed hope to Pakistan’s national sport.
In a statement, the prime minister said that the team’s qualification for the World Cup reflected the players’ hard work, dedication and commitment to the sport. He described the achievement as an important step toward promoting and reviving hockey in Pakistan, which has long been regarded as the country’s national game.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the national team’s participation in the qualifiers had generated immense enthusiasm among hockey fans across the country. He noted that the team’s spirited performance had rekindled public interest in the sport and reminded the nation of Pakistan’s proud hockey legacy.
“The qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is a result of the tireless efforts and determination of our players,” the prime minister said. “The entire nation is proud of their achievement.”
He added that the cash reward was a tribute to the dedication and resilience shown by the players during the qualifiers. According to the prime minister, the recognition was meant to encourage the team and motivate young athletes to pursue the sport with the same level of passion and commitment.
Pakistan has a rich history in international hockey, having won multiple Olympic and World Cup titles in the past. However, the country’s hockey fortunes have declined in recent years due to administrative challenges, limited resources and rising competition at the international level.
The recent qualification for the World Cup is therefore being seen as a positive development for the sport in Pakistan. Sports observers believe that the team’s success in the qualifiers could serve as a turning point and help revive interest in hockey among the younger generation.
The prime minister also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting sports development in the country. He said that efforts would continue to strengthen sports institutions and provide better facilities for athletes so that Pakistan could regain its position in international competitions.
Officials from the Pakistan Hockey Federation and members of the national team welcomed the prime minister’s announcement, describing it as a morale-boosting gesture for the players who had worked hard to secure the World Cup qualification.
Hockey enthusiasts across the country also expressed optimism that the recognition of the team’s efforts would help bring renewed focus to the sport and encourage greater investment in training, infrastructure and grassroots development.
With the national team now set to participate in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, fans are hopeful that Pakistan will continue to build on this momentum and once again demonstrate its traditional strength in international hockey.
