Tag: Nations Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt delivered an emotional message following his team’s 6-2 defeat to New Zealand in the final of the FIH Nations Cup 2024, held at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

New Zealand produced a clinical display to outclass Pakistan in the title clash. Despite having two early goals disallowed, the Black Sticks found the net in the sixth minute through a penalty corner conversion by Scott Cosslett.

Sam Hiha then doubled the lead just before the end of the first quarter.

The Kiwis turned up the heat in the second quarter, adding three more goals via Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde to head into half-time with a commanding 5-0 lead.

Pakistan showed signs of a fightback in the third quarter, with Zikriya Hayat scoring their first goal. However, despite earning five penalty corners in that phase, they couldn’t convert further chances.

Cosslett struck again in the final quarter to make it 6-1 before Sufyan Khan pulled one back with a penalty corner conversion, but it was too little, too late.

New Zealand walked away with the FIH Nations Cup trophy, denying Pakistan a fairytale finish.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Following the match, Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt, took to Instagram and expressed immense pride in the team’s journey.

“We didn’t lose. We won hearts. We brought hockey back to life,” he wrote. “After 11 long years, reaching the final was not just a milestone — it was a message: Pakistan is rising again.”

“This silver medal is not a defeat. It’s a symbol of hope, belief, and revival. A reminder that we are moving forward, and the dream is alive.”

Ammad also emphasised that the final loss does not mark the end but a new beginning.

“Yes, the trophy slipped away today, but the fire within us burns brighter than ever. We are not far from the day we bring it home, InShaAllah,” he added.

“This is not the end. It is just the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistan hockey. To the team — on and off the field — thank you for your heart, your unity, and your fight.”

He also thanked the nation for its support and prayers during the tournament, while stressing that the hockey team will keep fighting and giving their best.

“To the nation, your prayers and support kept us going. This moment belongs to all of us,” Ammad Butt stated.

“We will keep going. We will keep fighting. And we will fight till the very last breath. The journey continues. The dream lives on. Pakistan Zindabad.”

READ: Indian legend criticises name order in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan men’s hockey team captain Ammad Butt has called on the nation for prayers and support ahead of the FIH Nations Cup final against New Zealand, set to be played here on Saturday.

In a heartfelt video message, Ammad praised his team’s spirited semi-final performance and described their hard-fought victory over France as one to remember.

“The semi-final was memorable. And by the will of Almighty Allah, the way my team performed, I do not know in which words I should describe that,” said Butt.

The skipper took a moment to extend his congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, acknowledging their support and contributions to the sport.

“I would like to congratulate Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, who contributed a lot to our success,” he added.

“And I congratulate the entire nation that stood behind us and prayed for our success.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

With a spot in the FIH Pro League on the line, Ammad Butt made a passionate appeal to the public.

“I request the entire nation to pray for tomorrow’s match as well so that my team win the Nations Cup and dedicate this victory to Pakistan and qualify for the Pro League,” he concluded.

Pakistan booked their place in the final after edging past France 3-2 in a nerve-racking penalty shootout, following a 3-3 stalemate in regulation time.

Goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman emerged as the hero of the night, saving three crucial French attempts, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz converted their penalties.

For the unversed, the Pakistan hockey team qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup due to a superior goal difference compared to the host nation, Malaysia.

Malaysia secured a 2-1 victory over Japan on Wednesday; however, they were eliminated because Pakistan scored nine goals in their three matches, while Malaysia scored eight.

WATCH: Pakistan hockey player Hannan Shahid bursts into tears after reaching the Nations Cup Final

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has praised the national hockey team on reaching the final of the Nations Cup held in Malaysia. 

Naqvi praised the Green Shirts for demonstrating an outstanding performance following the nail-biting victory against France.

“Pakistani players have defeated France through teamwork to reach the final. Their brilliant performance is commendable,” Mohsin Naqvi stated.

“Along with the players, I would also like to congratulate the team management. Every player gave his best on the field,” Mohsin Naqvi added.

The PCB chair expressed optimism that the Pakistan hockey team would clinch the Nations Cup title.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Apart from sports, Pakistan is receiving good news from every department. Hopefully, the Pakistani hockey team will win the final as well and return home after winning the tournament,” he concluded.

It is noteworthy to mention that Pakistan defeated France in a 3-2 penalty shootout, courtesy of goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz.

Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final, set to be played tomorrow.

The all-important semi-final started with both teams trying hard in the first quarter to score a goal.  France had their chances, with numerous penalty corners in the beginning and towards the end of the quarter.

The second quarter began with a similar scoreline, as France and Pakistan both battled to calm their nerves. However, France managed to score the first goal courtesy of Smenjaud Xavier’s deflection.

As France entered the third quarter, the hopes for the Green Shirts qualifying looked grim. Charlet Victor pierced the nets with a flick, giving the French team a significant lead.

However, Afraz gave Pakistan a sigh of relief after scoring the first goal. In the crucial last minutes of the quarter, the Green Shirts scored back-to-back goals, taking the lead with a score of 3-2. Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad both scored two crucial goals in the span of a minute.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan hockey player Hannan Shahid bursts into tears after reaching nations cup Final

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team player Hannan Shahid became emotional following the Green Shirts’ qualification for the Nations Cup final here at the National Stadium on Friday.

Hannan Shahid was seen embracing Abdul Rehman in a video posted on the national team’s social media page.

Pakistan defeated France in a 3-2 penalty shootout, courtesy of goals from Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid, and Afraz. Overall, the Green Shirts have scored 12 goals in four matches.

Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final, set to be played tomorrow.

The intense match started with both teams trying hard in the first quarter to score a goal.  France had their chances, with numerous penalty corners in the beginning and towards the end of the quarter.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The second quarter began with a similar scoreline, as France and Pakistan both battled to calm their nerves. However, France managed to score the first goal courtesy of Smenjaud Xavier’s deflection.

As France entered the third quarter, the hopes for the Green Shirts qualifying looked grim. Charlet Victor pierced the nets with a flick, giving the French team a significant lead.

However, Afraz gave Pakistan a sigh of relief after scoring the first goal. In the crucial last minutes of the quarter, the Green Shirts scored back-to-back goals, taking the lead with a score of 3-2. Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad both scored two crucial goals in the span of a minute.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, the Pakistan hockey team qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup due to a superior goal difference compared to the host nation, Malaysia.

Malaysia secured a 2-1 victory over Japan on Wednesday; however, they were eliminated because Pakistan scored nine goals in their three matches, while Malaysia scored eight.

On the same day, the New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3, sealing a semi-final spot.

READ: Pakistan defeat France in penalty thriller in Nations Hockey Cup semi-final

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan team defeated France on a penalty shootout in the semi-final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup here at the National Stadium on Friday.

The thrilling match ended in a 3-2 victory for the Green Shirts, as France missed out on three chances to score in the shootout.

For Pakistan, Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid and Afraz scored goals to clinch a memorable win.

In the first quarter of the match, neither team managed to score a goal, despite putting in a strong effort to get the ball into the net. France had their chances, with numerous penalty corners in the beginning and towards the end of the quarter.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Int Hockey Federation (@fihockey)

The second quarter featured a similar situation with France and Pakistan looking to open their account in the all-important semi-final. However, France drew the first blood with Smenjaud Xavier giving his team the lead, deflecting the ball into the post.

As France entered the third quarter, the hopes for the Green Shirts qualifying looked grim. Charlet Victor pierced the nets with a flick, giving the French team a significant lead.

However, Afraz gave Pakistan a sigh of relief after scoring the first goal. In the crucial last minutes of the quarter, the Green Shirts scored back-to-back goals, taking the lead with a score of  3-2. Sufyan Khan and Hammadudin Muhammad both scored two crucial goals in the span of a minute.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, the Pakistan hockey team qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup due to a superior goal difference compared to the host nation, Malaysia.

Malaysia secured a 2-1 victory over Japan on Wednesday; however, they were eliminated because Pakistan scored nine goals in their three matches, while Malaysia scored eight.

On the same day, the New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3, sealing a semi-final spot.

Pakistan held a 3-1 lead for most of the third quarter, but New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett scored two goals to level the match.

The tension escalated in the final quarter as both teams aimed to secure a victory. In a decisive moment, Scott Cosslett found the back of the net again, delivering a thrilling win for New Zealand.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan began their Nations Hockey Cup campaign with a 3-3 draw against Malaysia, followed by a convincing victory over Japan.

READ: Pakistan hockey captain voices frustration amid allowance delay during Nations Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt has publicly voiced his frustration over the lack of financial support, revealing that players have yet to receive their daily allowances despite reaching the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Cup.

The Green Shirts booked their place in the semi-finals after finishing second in Pool B and are set to face France on June 20. New Zealand and Korea will contest the other semi-final.

Speaking on behalf of his teammates, Ammad raised a heartfelt concern that mirrors the long-standing struggle of Pakistan’s national sport.

“Is there anyone who truly understands the struggles of Pakistan hockey?” Ammad questioned, drawing a stark comparison between the country’s cricket obsession and the declining fortunes of hockey.

“Do our politicians care about the national sport? Do ministers take an interest in the game that once brought Olympic gold to this country? Businessmen spend crores on cricket leagues, but when it comes to hockey, there’s no budget,” he lamented.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

According to sources close to the team, the players have been in Malaysia for over 10 days without receiving their daily allowances, which are reportedly PKR 30,000 per day.

The issue goes beyond the current tour; the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has also yet to clear payments for two recent training camps.

Players had requested partial payments before departing for Malaysia to manage basic expenses, but that plea, too, went unanswered.

“As players, our hearts ache,” Ammad Butt added. “We are still on the field, still fighting for the flag, but we cannot do it alone.”

“It is time for everyone, including the government, ministers, businesses, and citizens, to come together and revive the spirit of Pakistan Hockey before it is too late.”

READ: Real Madrid held by Al-Hilal in Xabi Alonso’s debut

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pakistan hockey team has qualified for the semi-finals of the FIH Nations Hockey Cup, despite the hosts, Malaysia, emerging victorious against Japan here on Wednesday.

Malaysia secured a 2-1 win against Japan but was eliminated from the tournament due to goal difference and points with Pakistan.

The Green Shirts reached the semi-finals with nine goals while Malaysia scored eight in their three matches of the tournament.

The semi-finals of the event will take place on June 20th, with Pakistan facing France and New Zealand playing Korea.

On day three of the tournament, Malaysia dominated the game against Japan, leading with two goals till the third quarter. Sumantri Norsyafiq opened the account, scoring the opening goal in the last stage of the first quarter.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In the second quarter, Azrai Abu Kamal fired another goal as Malaysia took a 2-0 lead with an eye on the final four spot. Japan put in a strong effort in the third quarter and earned plenty corners. However, solid Malaysian defence kept them away from the nets.

However, Yamasaki Koji dashed Malaysian hopes of qualifying for the semi-final with a goal in the penultimate half of the match.

Earlier, the New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3, sealing a semi-final spot.

Pakistan had a 3-1 lead for most of the third quarter, but New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett struck two goals, which levelled the scores.

The match became tense in the last quarter of the game as both teams sought to score a goal, but for Blackstick, it was Scott Cosslett again who scored the decisive goal, giving his team a thrilling victory.

Pakistan defeated Japan comprehensively, while the match with Malaysia ended in a draw.

READ: Nations Hockey Cup: New Zealand come from behind to down Pakistan

KUALA LUMPUR: The New Zealand hockey team came from behind in a thrilling encounter to defeat Pakistan 4-3 in the ongoing FIH Nations Cup 2025 here on Wednesday.

With three wins in three games, New Zealand secured top position in Pool B.

Pakistan had a 3-1 lead for most of the third quarter, but New Zealand’s Scott Cosslett struck two goals, which levelled the scores.

The match started with New Zealand Nic Woods scoring a goal in the first quarter; however, Pakistan fought back with Abdul Rehman scoring two vital goals, which brought his team into a dominant position.

Pakistan showed determination as New Zealand players were kept at bay for most of the second quarter. Meanwhile, Rana Waheed Ashraf struck another goal as the scorecard read 3-1.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

With this lead, the match was going Pakistan’s way, but the third quarter dashed Pakistan’s hopes of topping Pool B. New Zealand scored twice in the second-to-last quarter as the scores were level.

The match became tense in the last quarter of the game as both teams sought to score a goal, but for New Zealand, it was Scott Cosslett again who scored the decisive goal, giving his team a thrilling victory.

Earlier, Pakistan defeated Japan while the match with the hosts, Malaysia, ended in a draw. With four points, the Green Shirts now have ample chance to qualify for the semi-final of the Nations Cup.

Currently, Pakistan sits in second position in pool B with four points, while Malaysia will face Japan in the upcoming encounter.

Pakistan squad for FIH Nations Cup

Ammad Butt (captain), Rana Waheed (vice captain), Muneer-ur-Rehman, Abdullah Ishtiaq, Mohammad Abdullah, Mohammad Sufyan Khan, Abdul Manan, Hamad Anjum, Arshad Liaquat, Moeen Shakeel, Zikriya Hayat, Ghazanfar Ali, Salman Razaq, Junaid Manzoor, Afraz Khan, Abdul Rehman, Ahmed Nadeem and Mohibullah.

READ: Noman Ali breaks into top five of ICC Test Bowling Rankings