Pakistan hockey team’s captain Ammad Butt has urged the government to support hockey like cricket in the country.
Butt shared these remarks after Pakistan qualified for the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 on Wednesday in Ipoh, Malaysia.
“Pakistan Hockey Federation is not financially strong and television channels don’t show hockey matches. Players don’t have jobs but they are still playing for the green flag because they love Pakistan. I urge the Pakistan government to support hockey like cricket,” Butt told Geo News on Thursday.
“This is a monumental occasion for Pakistan as the last time the team entered the final was in 2011. I am very proud of my team for their hard work and sportsmanship.
“I am thankful to be Pakistan’s captain and to have had the opportunity to be coached by Roelant Oltmans.”
Pakistan are unbeaten in the event, so far, and are at the top of the table with 10 points after four games.
Pakistan defeated Canada 5-4 on Wednesday to register their third win in the tournament.
Canada had taken a 2-0 lead within the first 17 mins to put Pakistan on the backfoot. However, the green shirts made a great comeback to win the match 5-4.
Abu Bakr Mahmood scored the first two goals for Pakistan to bring his side back in the game.
Arshad Liaqat, Rana Waheed Ashraf and Ghazanfar Ali also notched up one goal each for Pakistan.
Sean Davis scored a brace for Canada, meanwhile Harbir Sindhu and Avjot Buttar scored one each.
Pakistan’s final pool match is against New Zealand tomorrow, May 10, at the same venue.
On the other hand, Japan defeated Malaysia by 2-1 to confirm their place in the final.
The final between Pakistan and Japan will be played on Saturday, May 11.