Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt exposed the dire financial conditions faced by the national team players, stating that they haven’t received payment from the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for the past six months. This disclosure comes on the heels of the Men in Green’s heartbreaking defeat in the qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they fell short against New Zealand, losing 3-2 in the third/fourth place match in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday.
Taking to Instagram, Ammad expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support and shed light on the numerous challenges the players have been grappling with. He highlighted the absence of facilities, government support, sponsorship, media coverage, and a proper professional system, which have been persistent issues for the team over the last decade.
“Thanks everyone for supporting Pakistan hockey; unfortunately, we couldn’t qualify for the Olympics, and this is heartbreaking for me, my team, and my nation as well,” Ammad wrote. “The boys have not been paid for the last six months. They played without facilities, without government support, without any sponsorship, without any media coverage, and no proper professional system,” he added.
Ammad underscored the unfair treatment they have endured for the past decade, questioning how long they will have to endure such conditions. As the national game, he appealed for the players to be treated as national heroes, emphasizing the dedication and sacrifice they bring to the sport.
“The boys are giving their blood and sweat; they played with their heart for Pakistan, but the way we are treated is totally unfair. Hockey is our national game, so please treat us like national heroes,” Ammad maintained.
This revelation comes as Pakistan fails to qualify for the Olympics for the third consecutive time. The three-time Olympic gold medallists had previously missed out on spots in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. In the recent qualifiers, Pakistan finished second in Pool A behind Great Britain but faced a 4-0 defeat against Germany in the semi-final.
Ammad concluded his post by seeking support, expressing the team’s motivation to perform well for the country in the future. As the hockey community and fans grapple with this disheartening news, questions arise about the future of the sport and the treatment of its dedicated players.
