Pakistan hockey, once a global powerhouse, saw a glimmer of hope recently as the national team secured a bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy held in China. While a third-place finish may not seem monumental, it marks a step in the right direction for a sport that has faced decades of decline.

Pakistan’s journey in the tournament showcased resilience and determination, highlighted by fierce competition against the eventual winners, India. This performance under head coach Tahir Zaman has revived hopes of reclaiming Pakistan’s lost glory in hockey.

Pakistan hockey’s challenges remain immense. The team failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking the third consecutive time they missed the prestigious event. Once a dominant force in world hockey, Pakistan’s last Olympic medal was won in the 1992 Barcelona Games, and it has been four decades since they last claimed gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. How did Pakistan hockey, once an unstoppable force, fall so far behind?

The answer is: a combination of poor planning, lack of infrastructure, and an inability to adapt to modern hockey. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), under the current leadership of Tariq Bugti and Rana Mujahid, has started taking positive steps to revive the sport. However, the road to recovery is long and requires a fundamental overhaul of systems, from grassroots development to international competitiveness.

Pakistan won four of the first eight hockey World Cup tournaments, an unmatched feat. However, today, the team is ranked 16th in the world. The lack of a structured system for talent development and professional management has been a significant factor in the decline. Past hockey legends, who transitioned into administrative roles, failed to modernise the sport. While they continued to celebrate past victories, they overlooked the need for structural evolution and professionalism.

The collapse of grassroots hockey development has been another blow. Schools, which once served as nurseries for young talent, no longer prioritise the national game. Inter-school tournaments, club-level competitions, and sports quotas in colleges and universities have faded, leaving young players with few opportunities to hone their skills. The once-thriving ecosystem for hockey talent is now almost non-existent.

Funding remains a critical issue for the PHF. With an annual budget of less than Rs. 4 million, the federation struggles to cover the cost of a single international tour, which averages around Rs 30 million. The lack of a domestic league system and inadequate training facilities have further stunted the growth of the sport. The national team doesn’t even have a dedicated stadium and relies on the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to host training camps.

Moreover, PHF lacks a marketing department to secure corporate sponsorship, a vital element in promoting the game and supporting athletes.

Without a steady flow of national or international events, Pakistani players have little to look forward to, dampening their motivation and competitive edge.

The PSB recently provided financial relief, releasing Rs. 23 million to support the national team’s participation in the Asian Champions Trophy. This followed a special grant of Rs. 96.65 million from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) over the past six months, aimed at supporting the team’s participation in international tournaments. These funds are crucial for sustaining the national team, but they are only a temporary solution.

For Pakistan hockey to regain its lost glory, a long-term strategy is imperative. This includes ensuring that players receive better salaries, allowing them to focus solely on their game without worrying about financial survival. Greater participation in international tournaments and bilateral series with top hockey nations will also be key in improving skills and raising the competitive level of Pakistani players.

The corporate sector must also step in to support the national game. Investment from private entities would not only boost the morale of the players but also help Pakistan regain international recognition.

While the future of Pakistan hockey is far from certain, it is clear that with government and corporate backing, a structured development system, and continuous participation in global events, the national game can once again shine on the world stage. The journey is long, but with the right steps, Pakistan hockey’s revival is possible. The hope now lies in sustained efforts, commitment, and a vision to reclaim what was once rightfully Pakistan’s - the pinnacle of world hockey.