Poor management forces Pakistan hockey team to play in old kits

The management failed to deliver kits to the Pakistan hockey team on time, who played the opening game against Malaysia in their old kits.

Despite promises made by President Tariq Bugti and Secretary Rana Mujahid, the Pakistan hockey team is still lacking basic facilities.

According to reports from Poland, self-proclaimed president Tariq Bugti and secretary Rana Mujahid, who travelled with the team as part of the management staff, could not even arrange the kits on time.

According to sources, the national team, which arrived in Poland in three installments, was forced to play the tournament opener in the Azlan Shah Cup kit.

They covered the logos and name of the tournament with white tape.

Despite that, the Green Shirts managed to pull off a stunning comeback against Malaysia to settle with a 4 – 4 draw.

Malaysia had a 3-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to goals from Fitri Saari, Abu Kamal and Faizal Saari – taking advantage of some poor defending by Pakistan.

However, Abdul Rehman opened Pakistan’s account in the third quarter, but Fitri Saari again restored Malaysia’s three goal lead a few minutes later.

Despite the odds, Pakistan team didn’t lose hope and kept on attacking the Malaysian goal.

Sufyan Khan finally scored Pakistan’s second goal in the 43rd minute with Hannan Shahid adding another nine minutes later.

Meanwhile, Abu Bakr Mahmood scored the equaliser in the dying seconds of the match after Pakistan were awarded a penalty stroke.

Pakistan’s next match is against Canada on June 2.

It is worth mentioning here that, the winner of the Nations Cup will have the opportunity to play in the FIH Hockey Pro League for the 2024-25 season.

Austria, Canada, France, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa will join hosts Poland in competing at the men’s Nation’s Cup.

The teams have been split into two Pools of 5 and 4 teams. Pakistan are in Pool B with Canada, France and Malaysia.