MUSCAT: Pakistan’s men’s hockey team has moved up one spot in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) standings, to 15th, following their recent participation in the Paris Olympics qualifications in Muscat, Oman.
Despite the sadness of failing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Green Shirts have remained competitive in the rankings.
The Netherlands, Belgium, and India are the current top three teams according to the FIH, with Germany, England, and Australia in fourth, fifth, and sixth place, respectively.
However, the delight of this victory is tempered by the team’s captain, Ammad Butt, who revealed on Monday that the players had not received their salaries from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in the last six months.
This financial failure has generated worries about the treatment of the players who have been representing the nation on the world scene.
In an Instagram post, Captain Ammad thanked the supporters for their persistent support and discussed the players’ struggles. He emphasized the lack of facilities and government backing, as well as the decade-long absence of sponsorship, media coverage, and a proper professional system.
