Pakistan hockey players are expressing frustration towards the country’s sports administrators for failing to organize adequate preparation for their upcoming matches against arch-rivals India in the FIH Men’s Pro League 2026 in June. The team is facing challenges due to the absence of training camps and a high-profile coach for these crucial matches. Pakistan, participating in the Pro League for the first time, is at risk of elimination from the league after facing defeats in all their previous matches against top teams like the Netherlands, Argentina, Australia, and Germany.
The team is now gearing up to play against India and England in the United Kingdom in June, with concerns raised about the lack of serious efforts by the Federation to address the team’s preparation needs. Pakistani players, who have not defeated India since 2016, had requested comprehensive preparations, including a training camp and an international coach to tackle the strong Indian team in the Pro League. However, the absence of these essential elements has left the players feeling unprepared and disappointed.
Despite players’ requests for a foreign coach with knowledge of Indian players like Roelant Oltmans, the Pakistan Hockey Federation appointed former Olympian Manzoorul Hasan as the head coach. This decision has been criticized by sources who believe that Hasan’s lack of familiarity with modern hockey and the players makes his appointment ineffective. Additionally, players have raised concerns about inadequate daily allowances, receiving only a fraction of what was promised during the World Cup qualifying round in Egypt, along with the absence of central contracts and match fees.
The players’ grievances extend to feeling underpaid, under-prepared, and unheard by the authorities, leading to a challenging situation that jeopardizes the team’s performance and the future of the Pro League. The lack of proper support and resources has left the players in a difficult position as they strive to compete against top international teams.
