Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt urged the government to support hockey in the country like cricket.
Butt shared these words after Pakistan qualified for the 2024 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final in Ipoh, Malaysia on Wednesday.
“Pakistan Hockey Federation is not strong financially and TV channels are not showing hockey matches. The players have no jobs but they keep playing for the green flag because they love Pakistan. I urge the government of Pakistan to support hockey like cricket,” he said.
“This is a memorable occasion for Pakistan as the last time the team reached the final was in 2011. I am proud of my team for their hard work and sportsmanship.
Pakistan registered their third win of the tournament with a 5-4 win over Canada on Wednesday.
Arshad Liaqat, Rana Waheed Ashraf and Ghazanfar Ali also scored for Pakistan.
Dhawan Davis won for Canada, while Harbir Sindhu and Avjot Buttar scored one goal each.
Pakistan’s last pool match is tomorrow 10 May against New Zealand.
On the other hand, Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1 to confirm their place in the final.
The final between Pakistan and Japan will be held on Saturday, May 11.