Abdul Rehman Won Men's Magic Skill Award for Stunning Wales Goal in FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman has been rewarded for one of the standout individual moments of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, winning the men’s Magic Skill Award for his goal against Wales.

The forward’s effort came during Pakistan’s 3-3 draw with Wales in Pool D. Rehman used his 3D skills to get around four defenders before finishing the move, a sequence that secured 44% of the votes in the global fan poll.

That was enough to put him ahead of Kenton Melville, whose goal attracted 39% of the votes. Fans cast their ballots from September 4 to 13 after six moments from the tournament were nominated for the Poligras Magic Skill Award, with three coming from the men’s competition and three from the women’s event.

The award is presented by FIH Global Supplier Polytan to recognise skill, creativity and innovative play during the Hockey World Cup. Rehman’s recognition gives Pakistan an individual highlight from a campaign in which they ultimately finished 11th.

Pakistan secured that position by beating South Africa 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the 11th-place play-off ended 4-4. Ammad Butt scored the decisive penalty to complete the victory.

The four-time champions had begun their Pool D campaign with a 4-1 defeat against England before drawing with Wales. A 5-3 loss to India in their final pool game ended their hopes of progressing to the knockout phase.

They then moved into the classification matches and defeated Japan 4-3. New Zealand ended Pakistan’s run with a 4-2 win, leaving the side to contest the 11th-place match against South Africa.

Pakistan’s final position was their best at a World Cup since 2006, when they finished sixth. They had placed 12th in 2010 and 2018 and were absent from the 2014 and 2023 editions.

India’s Bichu Devi Karibam won the women’s Magic Skill Award after collecting 52% of the votes for her reflex save against England. Her intervention came in the final minute and helped India progress from the pool stage before they finished fifth, their best Women’s World Cup result in 52 years.