Once the pride of the nation, Pakistan’s field hockey has plummeted from its golden heights to a state of neglect and desolation. This article delves into the multifaceted causes behind this downfall, highlighting the personal tragedies of its heroes, and proposes actionable strategies for revival.
A Glorious Past
Pakistan’s dominance in field hockey was unparalleled. The nation clinched three Olympic gold medals (1960, 1968, 1984) and a record four World Cup titles. Legends like Samiullah Khan, known as ‘The Flying Horse’ for his exceptional speed, Islahuddin Siddique, who captained the team to World Cup victory in 1978, and Shahbaz Ahmed, dubbed ‘The Maradona of Hockey’ for his mesmerizing dribbling skills, were household names. Their achievements were a source of immense national pride.
The Downfall: A Stark Reality
Today, the scenario is bleak. Pakistan failed to qualify for the 2014 and 2023 World Cups and finished a disappointing 12th in the 2018 edition. The team’s global ranking has plummeted to 16th. The once-thriving domestic structure has crumbled, with schools and colleges showing minimal interest in the sport. The heroes of yesteryears are now forgotten, overshadowed by the nation’s obsession with cricket.
Personal Tragedies: The Forgotten Heroes
The decline hasn’t just affected the sport; it’s devastated the lives of its stalwarts. According to Vocal Media, former Olympian Zahid Sharif, who represented Pakistan from 1987 to 1991, found himself in dire financial straits. In a heart-wrenching revelation, he announced that he was forced to sell his medals and even contemplated selling his kidney to pay off mounting debts and utility bills. Similarly, NDTV Sports reported that Pakistani hockey players were awarded a mere $100 (USD) for securing a bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy, a sum so low that it barely covered their travel expenses. Furthermore, The Economic Times revealed that Pakistan’s government provided a humiliating Rs 8,000 reward to its national hockey team for their hard-fought victories, a stark contrast to the millions cricket players receive in incentives and sponsorships.
Analyzing the Causes: A Multifaceted Problem
Several factors have contributed to this decline:
- Neglect and Mismanagement: The Pakistan Hockey Federation has been marred by poor governance, lack of vision, and failure to invest in grassroots development.
- Financial Constraints: While cricket enjoys substantial funding and sponsorships, hockey has been relegated to the sidelines. According to The Economic Times, financial neglect has resulted in inadequate facilities, insufficient player salaries, and a lack of competitive domestic tournaments.
- Media Apathy: The media’s obsession with cricket has overshadowed hockey, leading to diminished public interest and support. Young athletes, seeking fame and fortune, are naturally gravitating towards cricket, further depleting the talent pool for hockey.
- Global Evolution: The transition from natural grass to synthetic turf in international hockey has transformed the game’s dynamics. Pakistan’s delayed adaptation to this change has put its players at a tactical disadvantage, unable to keep pace with more technologically advanced teams.
Cricket’s Ascendancy: A Tale of Unequal Love
The rise of cricket in Pakistan has been meteoric, overshadowing all other sports. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become a national spectacle, attracting massive viewership and sponsorship deals. This cricket-centric culture has diverted resources, talent, and attention away from hockey, exacerbating its decline. While a single PSL match generates millions in revenue, the entire hockey federation struggles to sustain itself.
A Blueprint for Revival
To resurrect Pakistani hockey, a multifaceted approach is essential:
- Franchise-Based Hockey League (FHL): Establish a professional league, with franchises named after hockey legends, to rekindle interest and honor the sport’s rich heritage.
- Engage Past Legends: Involve former greats like Samiullah Khan, Islahuddin Siddique, and Shahbaz Ahmed in coaching, mentorship, and talent identification roles to inspire and develop the next generation.
- Grassroots Development: Invest in youth academies, school programs, and local tournaments to nurture young talent and rebuild the foundation of Pakistani hockey.
- Financial Incentives: Secure sponsorships and government funding to provide players with competitive salaries, modern facilities, and international exposure.
- Media Campaigns: Launch initiatives to raise the profile of hockey, celebrating its history and promoting current players to attract fans and aspiring athletes.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The decline of Pakistani hockey is a national tragedy, but not an irreversible one. With strategic planning, investment, and a collective will, the sport can be restored to its former glory. It requires honoring the past, addressing present challenges, and building a sustainable future where hockey once again becomes a source of national pride.
The question is: Do we still have the courage to reclaim our lost throne
