PM Shehbaz Sharif Announces Rs1.5m Reward For Hockey Team After Qualifier

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a Rs1.5 million cash prize for each member of the Pakistan hockey team.

A positive gesture to recognise the team’s effort in securing Hockey World Cup 2026 qualification.

The decision followed Pakistan’s tense 4-3 win over Japan in Egypt last week. It was the kind of match that kept shifting. Japan pushed hard, Pakistan answered back. Then came the late goal that settled it. 

This is the most deserving reward for a sport that once defined Pakistan on the global stage, the moment carries weight.

A lift for Pakistan hockey

The Pakistan hockey team has spent years trying to climb back. Pakistan lost big tournaments and the rankings dropped. For long stretches, results simply didn’t go their way.

That is why the recent Hockey World Cup 2026 qualification stands out. It comes after months of setbacks and noise around the team, including players speaking out about issues during the Australia tour earlier this year.

Yet the past still carries weight. Pakistan once dominated this game. Olympic gold in 1960, 1968 and 1984. World Cup triumphs in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994. Players like Shahbaz Ahmed and Samiullah Khan made the green shirt feared on the world stage.

Now comes the tougher part. Qualifying was one step forward. Bringing Pakistan hockey back to where it once stood will take far more.