PETALING JAYA: The Pakistan national hockey team’s World Cup qualification came with a big bonus for the players.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced earlier this week that each player in the squad will receive Rs1.5 million (RM21,000) for booking their spot in the tournament, scheduled from Aug 14-30 in Holland and Belgium.
In a statement, Sharif said the move was meant to recognise the team’s efforts, as well as celebrate their achievement, which had brought excitement to their fans.
"The move recognises the players’ dedication and hard work. It is intended to support the development of hockey in Pakistan.
"The team’s participation in the World Cup qualifiers has created excitement and enthusiasm among fans, and this reward is proof of their perseverance," the statement said.
The Green Shirts will be making their 14th World Cup appearance after defeating Japan 4-3 in the semi-finals at the qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt.
The team had arrived at the qualifiers amid administrative issues, funding shortfalls, and management changes that put the team under the spotlight.
Before heading to Egypt, the four-time World Cup winners endured a chaotic tour in Australia during the FIH Pro League, where accommodation issues left players stranded and performing household chores at a guest house.
Those issues had led to Pakistan Hockey Federation president Tariq Bugti resigning and banning team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt for speaking out, but the suspension was lifted ahead of the qualifiers by the government.
Although Pakistan fell 1-4 to England in the final, the World Cup ticket would be more than enough for the team as they failed to qualify for the previous edition in 2023 in Odisha and last secured a place in the 2018 edition, also in Odisha.
