Pakistan’s Hockey Decline: Failing the Olympics Again Despite Azlan Shah Heroics

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The once-great Pakistan men's hockey team has faced yet another disappointment, failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics for the third time in a row. This outcome from the FIH Qualifiers in Oman, where Pakistan lost 0-4 to Germany and 2-3 to New Zealand, has left fans and former players in deep frustration.

The last significant Olympic appearance for Pakistan was in 2012, where they finished 7th, slightly better than their poor 8th place in the 2008 Beijing Games. For a team with eight Olympic medals, including three golds from 1960, 1968, and 1984, this decline is quite painful.

Preparation Issues

Olympian Wasim Feroze, a member of the 1994 World Cup and Champions Trophy-winning teams, summed up the situation: “What do you expect, bhai? When the team is sent to the Olympic qualifiers with just 18 days of training while other teams have months of preparation.” This lack of preparation has clearly impacted the team's performance.

Financial and Governance Challenges

Pakistan hockey isn’t just struggling on the field; it’s facing significant challenges off it as well. Financial issues have led to non-payment of allowances and salaries, forcing the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to withdraw from international events. The recent removal of PHF President Brigadier (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokar by caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar only added to the turmoil. Khokar’s refusal to step down and threats to get the PHF suspended by the FIH created a chaotic situation of parallel authorities.

Expert Opinions

Former captain Samiullah expressed his sadness over the state of Pakistan hockey, and Islahuddin Siddiqui criticized the quick turnover of coaches and players' financial insecurity. Both highlighted the need for better governance and financial stability to improve the team's performance.

Looking Ahead

Former captain Hasan Sardar pointed out the chaos: “How can a team combination be prepared in 2-3 weeks?” This question reflects the need for a more structured and well-planned approach to team preparation.

Pakistan hockey has not won a major title since the 2010 Asian Games. As they miss their third consecutive Olympics, it is clear that significant changes are needed. Improving governance, securing financial stability, and ensuring adequate preparation time are essential steps to help Pakistan hockey regain its former glory.