Asia Cup failure

This 12 months’s Asia Hockey Cup was pivotal for Pakistan hockey. Nonetheless, hopes have faltered as Pakistan even failed to succeed in the tremendous 4 stage of the event. The primary match towards India, the archrivals, completed in a nail biting 1-1 draw after Pakistan scored a last-minute penalty nook equaliser. Within the second match, Pakistan trashed the low-ranking Indonesia staff, registering a 13-0 victory. The third and most necessary one towards Japan nonetheless resulted in a 2-3 loss after two targets scored by Pakistan have been disallowed.

Although Pakistan put up an affordable combat general, poor ending led to their downfall. The staff nonetheless had an opportunity of creating it to the semis had India not desecrated Indonesia by the 16-goal margin to qualify, primarily based on objective distinction. Regrettably, this additionally signifies that now we have didn’t qualify for the celebrated World Cup scheduled in January 2023 in India. A staff that was as soon as on the apex of worldwide hockey — having gained three Olympic gold medals, 4 World Cups, eight Asiad gold medals and three Champions Trophies — is now struggling to even qualify for these top-notch tournaments. Years of negligence and corruption can’t be rectified until prudent long-lasting efforts are taken on the grassroots stage.

The disappointing state of affairs calls upon the federal government and the hockey federation to give attention to efforts for revival of the nationwide sport. We now have no dearth of legends whose lively involvement may help a fantastic deal within the growth course of. However most significantly, ample funding and services must be supplied. One solely must look throughout the border to India to see how they’ve revolutionised their sports activities scene. By garnering help and gaining sponsors, authorities in Pakistan can work in direction of beginning a hockey league to advertise the game on the nationwide stage and scout out younger expertise. A complete effort is want if we wish to see Pakistan hockey regain its misplaced glory.

Revealed in The Specific Tribune, Might 28^th, 2022.

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