Pakistan hockey has finally got a boost, as the men national team will play in the FIH Pro League 2025-26 after weeks of speculation, according to local media. As reported by sports journalist Arfa Feroze Zaki, the breakthrough was achieved when the Finance Ministry provided a pledge of Rs25 crore and the other sponsors including privates also donated Rs 10 crore, clearing the immediate financial hurdles that would have jeopardized the entry of Pakistan to the global stage.
The participation of Pakistan was however not very clear despite receiving invitations by International Hockey Federation following withdrawal by New Zealand. The PHF had sought 70.30 crore rupees to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), but the Board turned denied to provide additional money, attributing it to the past financial performance of the PHF. This stalemate resulted to fears of a repeat humiliation like that of Pakistan who pulled out in the first season and faced a penalty of 170000 Euros.
The support by the government at the 11th hour guarantees that the Green Shirts will take on the best international teams like Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, Argentina, England, Spain, Belgium and of course arch rivals India. In a team that has not participated in the last three Olympic Games, the world cup and even boycorted their event in the upcoming Asia cup, this kind of exposure to the world is a direct avenue to the mainstream of hockey.
Read more: Pakistan Reach in Semi-Finals of FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2025
Historically, Pakistan boasts of a rich history of four times world champions, Olympic gold medallist thrice and champions of the Asian Games eight times. However, the sport has been riddled by unstable finances and administrative problems, which has placed it into a downward spiral. Analysts highlight that although this funding guarantees short term involvement only a structural change in the way the PHF is functioning can make Pakistan regain its supremacy.
This rescue package guarantees Pakistan its long-awaited rebirth to the FIH Pro League, a platform that can become the spark to rejuvenate performance and interest in hockey in Pakistan.
