Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman wins Magic Skill Award at FIH Hockey World Cup

AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan forward Abdul Rehman has won the men’s Magic Skill Award following the conclusion of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.

Rehman was recognised for his stunning display of 3D skills during Pakistan’s match against Wales. The Pakistani forward brilliantly dribbled past four defenders before producing a composed finish to score a spectacular goal.

The strike proved a major fan favourite, receiving 44% of the total votes in the men’s category. Rehman narrowly edged Kenton Melville, whose audacious goal earned 39% of the votes.

Hockey fans from around the world voted between September 4 and 13 to select the moments that best captured the skill and creativity displayed during the World Cup.

The shortlist featured six outstanding moments, with three selected from the men’s competition and three from the women’s tournament.

The Poligras Magic Skill Award, presented by FIH Global Supplier Polytan, celebrates extraordinary talent, creativity and innovative skills displayed by hockey players on the world stage.

Meanwhile, India goalkeeper Bichu Devi Karibam won the women’s Magic Skill Award for her stunning reflex save in the final minute of the match against England.

Her crucial intervention helped India qualify from the pool stage before they finished fifth in the tournament, their best Women’s World Cup finish in 52 years.

Bichu Devi received 52% of the votes, finishing comfortably ahead of the other two nominees.

The awards highlighted some of the exceptional skills and memorable moments that made the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup a showcase of attacking flair, goalkeeping brilliance and innovation in modern hockey.

For the unversed, Pakistan finished 11th at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after defeating South Africa in a penalty shootout in their final classification match, securing their best finish at the tournament in 20 years.

The four-time champions began their campaign in Pool D with a 4-1 defeat by England on August 15 before drawing 3-3 with Wales two days later.

Pakistan's final pool match came against arch-rivals India on August 19. The Green Shirts suffered a 5-3 defeat, which ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

They subsequently entered the classification stage, where they defeated Japan 4-3 on August 22 to keep their campaign alive.

However, their progress was halted by New Zealand, who recorded a 4-2 victory on August 24.

Pakistan then faced South Africa in the 11th-place play-off. The match ended 4-4 after regulation time before Pakistan prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

Ammad Butt converted the decisive penalty to seal Pakistan's victory and secure 11th place.

The result marked Pakistan's best World Cup finish since 2006, when they finished sixth. They had placed 12th in the 2010 and 2018 editions while missing the 2014 and 2023 tournaments.