Pakistan hockey team to be rewarded if they win Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Pakistan hockey team will be rewarded if they beat Japan tomorrow and win the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia.

The Chairman of Prime Minister Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmad khan, confirmed on Friday the premier, Shehbaz Sharif, will reward the players if they win the tournament.

“The promotion of sports in Pakistan is among prime minister’s priorities,” Mashhood added.

Earlier today, Pakistan’s match against New Zealand ended in a 1-1 draw during the ongoing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Pakistan had already qualified for the final after their win against Canada on Wednesday. The Green Shirts will face Japan in the final of the event tomorrow.

The match remained goalless till half-time since both teams weren’t able to capitalise on the chances they created.

However, New Zealand took the lead in the 35th minute with a field goal by Luke Holmes but Pakistan score the equaliser, eight minutes later, with Abu Bakr Mahmood scoring from a penalty corner.

Pakistan remained unbeaten during the round-robin stage of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with three wins and two draws in five matches. They only dropped points in matches against Japan and New Zealand.

Pakistan’s performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup should be a morale booster for the team especially because the team has to feature in the FIH Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland, from May 31 to June 9 as well. The Nations Cup is important because the winning team will have the opportunity to play in the FIH Hockey Pro League for the 2024-25 season.

Japan will face Canada and hosts Malaysia will lock horns with Korea in the remaining matches today.