Historic low as Pakistan fail to qualify for Olympics

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

Pakistan have failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in their illustrious hockey history after losing to Ireland 1-0 in the 5-8 position classification match of the Hockey World League in Antwerp, Belgium on Friday.

The result comes as another low for Greenshirts who for the first time in the game's history also failed to qualify for the World Cup last year.

Pakistan needed to finish at least in the 5th spot at the Hockey World League to have any hopes of getting a ticket to next year's Rio Olympics. But they were once again guilty of not capitalising on opportunities in front of goal.

Mohammad Dilber had the first chance of putting his team in front but his attempt in the first quarter only found the keeper.

Pakistan upped the ante in the second quarter but once again, Umar Bhutta's effort was blocked by a resolute Irish goalie.

Ireland then scored in the 46th minute to condemn Pakistan to another historic low.

"This is a dark day for Pakistan," said Rashid Mehmood as he left the pitch following Pakistan's defeat.

"We played well and created chances, but we just couldn't score," added Mehmood.

The development will come as a big blow for hockey in Pakistan, which for years now has been struggling to keep afloat amid a shortage of funds and poor management.

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uhu

Jul 03, 2015 06:19pm

R.I.P Pakistan Hockey !

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Rahi

Jul 03, 2015 06:20pm

Aim high so even if you miss the mark you will achieve something... Pakistan was playing for 5th spot throughout the tournament!

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Nasser

Jul 03, 2015 06:25pm

Creating chances is the easy part; converting them is what it is all about. Have the captain and manager not heard the term "conversion rate"? Probably not!

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dr vimal

Jul 03, 2015 06:26pm

Ireland? COME ON....we used to beat such teams by 10-0

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Jul 03, 2015 06:26pm

All (players, management) involved with hockey need to be replaced. Since they are losing as it is, so why not bring in fresh faces. Can't be any worse.

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Omer khan

Jul 03, 2015 06:28pm

What do you expect ? When there is no money involved for these guys to play for . They have to support their families as well. Let's not say oh they need to be patriotic well they are paying for pennies. How much have we done for our country?. Plus compare them to spoilt brats of cricketers who have $100,000 to $500,000 annual contracts. Rip hockey unless they can come up with a better plan and better future for these youngsrers.

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Khan

Jul 03, 2015 06:28pm

Defeat well deserved Pakistan !

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Blue Saffron

Jul 03, 2015 06:31pm

Another stellar milestone in our history. We must ge doing something right. Keep it up! What is next?

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probono Publico

Jul 03, 2015 06:34pm

No problem, let Pakistan Hockey be regrouped, open all the stadiums in the country and promote home hocky tournaments at grassroot levels. Once we hold home tournaments successfully then invite foreign country teams. We pride Pakistani nation will revive glorious Pakistan Hockey Inshala. Ameen.

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M. Saeed Awan

Jul 03, 2015 06:43pm

Doomsday for Hockey lovers. Once we had all titles. Now 'Failure Tag'. No need for Pakistani coach but foreigner as well as Govt. support if it has time to think besides Metro, Motorway. Really very sad today.

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Jul 03, 2015 06:44pm

End of glorious past. Pak can bounce back, if they focus and introspect.

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Robbing Hoods

Jul 03, 2015 06:45pm

Overall, field hockey is not a very popular game in the world. So, it is very hard to make it a professional game since there are no counties or 20/20 championships with good contracts. That is why it is hard to attract talent in hockey. Most of the European and Australian players are more then likely amateurs and their livelihood is not depending on Hockey. So, unless Pakistan's overall economic situation stabilizes, none of the non-professional games will not improve. Especially the ones that are being played in Olympics. Pakistan should focus on Soccer, there are lots of leagues abroad. I believe one person from Pakistan recently signed with a Professional team in Sacramento, California.

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M. Saeed Awan

Jul 03, 2015 06:46pm

For forward line please consult Shahbaz Sr. as forward line failed to target in all matches.

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Anup

Jul 03, 2015 06:46pm

Bad luck this time, world will miss the Pakistani team.

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Hindutavi Rakshas

Jul 03, 2015 06:52pm

Better luck next time Pakistan hockey team.

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Fawad

Jul 03, 2015 06:54pm

Perhaps showing gestures to Indian team after winning was supposedly highest point, which it think was low point too. Sportsman should be able to digest both wins and loose, it is part of game. They will rise again.

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Salim

Jul 03, 2015 06:57pm

Let's now all fully support our neighbor Indian hockey team.

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Amit

Jul 03, 2015 06:58pm

Being Indian I feel sad about this historic low of Pakistan national sport. Pakistan was undoubtedly on of the best field hockey team. I hope subcontinent rise again to it's glorious day soon

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citizen

Jul 03, 2015 07:02pm

Very sad..Unfortunately management/team's strategy is India centric which is wrong..Many think win over India is more important than winning the tournament...This mindset to be changed...

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omar

Jul 03, 2015 07:04pm

Completely unbelievable. Wow don't really know what to say.

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gottumkkala bhrath

Jul 03, 2015 07:06pm

India and Pakistan must play together and raise the standard of hockey the individed India was known for.

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Cyrus

Jul 03, 2015 07:11pm

We were hoping for more, but this is a new age in all sports. Today there is a difference between a field hockey player or a cricket player and an athlete. Athletes work as hard at their sport as a billionaire works at making money. In the Eastern United States colleges and universities field hockey is played through four years of college. Some students play field hockey or basketball four years in high school and four years in college before becoming professional players. It is more rigorous training than junior football clubs in England. Some native American Indian tribes play field hockey in high schools because lacrosse is their native game. Too many of us have the desire but not the talent. The rest of us must work harder. Some Pakistanis could attend these colleges to play. If they don't qualify for the national team afterwards they still have the college degree. The American women footballers all went to colleges where they trained hard.

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nasir siddique

Jul 03, 2015 07:15pm

Bye bye hockey. Thanks for all those great moments of joy u gave us.

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Ahmed Shah

Jul 03, 2015 07:20pm

Complete lack of strategic planning by coaching staff specially Shahbaz Sheikh. We are playing 80's hockey while the world has moved on. Instead of guiding team during break strategically coaching staff was delivering demotivational speeches that every one can listen through TV mics. Unprofessional coaching. We need foreign coach and perhaps management as well.

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AgainstDarkness

Jul 03, 2015 07:24pm

Improve your economy , Sports will improve along with , Since past 10 years , Pakistan Economy going down.

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seshagiri

Jul 03, 2015 07:25pm

I feel Pakistan is one of the best team. Sad this time they missed the olympics.

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lafanga

Jul 03, 2015 07:36pm

Look at the bright side ... they can only go up from such abyss. Better luck next time.

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alien

Jul 03, 2015 07:36pm

Thanks to Politicians those who have ruined out Games............. and Country............. God save the nation from corrupt politicians..........

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Ajay

Jul 03, 2015 07:41pm

Every nation and sports has its ups and downs. Hope Pakistani hockey fans will support their Indian blood brothers in the Olympics.

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AHA

Jul 03, 2015 07:44pm

Sad. My earliest memories on hockey are that of our Mexico Olympics gold. Then came Barcelona world cup, and then many more proud moments. And now this. Just sad !!!

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Javed Arshad

Jul 03, 2015 07:44pm

Years of neglect at all levels - poor infrastructure - lack of funds by government and sponsorship. From here you can only go up. Hope someone in power is listening.

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Haroon Rashid

Jul 03, 2015 07:45pm

First it was hockey world-cup, then uncertainty of cricket champions trophy and now Olympics. All popular sports are on the decline.

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Vijay from Bangalore

Jul 03, 2015 07:46pm

Sad to see Pakistan out of Olympics. Time to retrospect hockey structure.. hopefully there will be major shuffle in management if sports in Pak. If not then it's really RIP hockey in Pak. Good luck

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ROHIT PANDEY

Jul 03, 2015 07:46pm

Ah,never mind..focus on sports other than cricket and hockey? Wasn't there a Jehnagir Khan in squash? Any other promising players like him? Any promising players/teams in other sports? Just curious?:) Unless internal peace returns to Pakistan,and sports gets a country-wide boost these setbacks are bound to happen?

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Sarwar, USA

Jul 03, 2015 07:50pm

Rulers busy making money who cares about sports. Army cannot be at every corner.

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kuladeep patil

Jul 03, 2015 07:51pm

Shocking.... Pak team is not that bad... we will miss India VS Pak in Olympic..

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Noor

Jul 03, 2015 07:51pm

Hold on Guys, before criticizing them check what facilities they are getting: 2000 Rs for match fee and they are competing teams who get at least $1000 They are not even paid their dues for the last 6 months at @ 2000, then we are expecting them to become world beaters, give them environment as we are giving to cricket and then we can do a postmortem, BUT NOT THIS WAY, credit to these guys are make themselves available

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Aleem

Jul 03, 2015 07:51pm

How could you play well and then lose to a team like Ireland. The GoP is to be blamed for this fiasco! While the KP, Sind and Punjab governments are busy decorating the CM houses, this national team does not even have funds to travel overseas. This is the state of our priorities. The Pakistani politician is one disgusting low life! His greed has no bounds regardless of what it does to the country.

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MJK

Jul 03, 2015 07:53pm

Losing to Irelad 1-0 ? Never heard of Ireland in field hockey yet they beat Pakistan. About time, PHF & players quit making excuses. Do n't call field hockey national game of the nation.

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excalibur

Jul 03, 2015 07:54pm

Pakistan should play cricket and hockey only domestically and go abroad only when they have some chance to do something

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Shiraz

Jul 03, 2015 07:55pm

I think problem is everywhere in sports of Hockey... we still have talent but lack of merit based selection is killing it plus lack of professional skills and fitness is adding to it. We are still having ages old hockey stars like Shahnaz Sheikh who does not have any idea how hockey has changed these days...plus no money for hockey players, no sponsorship and then group of old stars capturing whole PHF ... so problem everywhere... just like other departments in Pakistan , Sports especially Hockey is also going down... I think at least on this performance , Captain, players.coaches and PHF management plus Sports minister should resign :)

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Ali

Jul 03, 2015 08:16pm

Did you expect any other result with all the corruption, nepotism, recommendations, threats and entices in the selection process?

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M Jamal

Jul 03, 2015 08:20pm

As a nation we are run by mafias for achieving personal gains and not caring about our country. We cannot carry on like this.The entire hockey set up is required to be sidelined and investigated and fresh and honest faces be given the job to run the hockey affairs.

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Rohit Sharma

Jul 03, 2015 08:30pm

India's financial aid to Pakistan hockey was a wise offer to save hockey in Pakistan. Let this game be alive in country.

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Blue Saffron

Jul 03, 2015 08:34pm

I am not saying I am a saint but every morning I get up I feel a slap across my face because I am a Pakistani. We have reached a new low as a nation internationally and must regroup with a vision if we are to survive. Otherwise, I am afraid we will be lost to history.

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Last Word

Jul 03, 2015 08:35pm

I think Pakistan played its best game against India but today the team appeared to be demoralised against a team which is lowly placed. Hope our neighbour will make progress soon.

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BILLI

Jul 03, 2015 08:39pm

s a ardent hockey lover from INDIA, i am sad that Pakistan could not get past Ireland. I watched the match and must tell honestly that Ireland played some fantastic hockey, i wonder from where did they get that skills....Ireland..no one heard off and today they beat one of the greatest countries in hockey history. Watching Pakistan was something different, where is that flair, magic and dash that made Pakistan such a delightfully great team to watch earlier?. Where are those magicians with the ball like Hasan Sardar, Samiullah, Shahnaz Shaikh, Shahbaz, etc...all of whom used to weave magic with the ball...Sadly Pakistan hockey today is a pale shadow of the past great ones...its better that some of your players take up to play in foreign leagues which will not only help financially but also improve skills...and exposure to the latest techniques in hockey. Govt and private support is also important.

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apoorva

Jul 03, 2015 08:55pm

1 advise , please stop comparing yourself with any other team.... Invest in players and infrastructure ...rest will fall in place

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Saeed

Jul 03, 2015 08:55pm

Interestingly, Pakistan lost to Ireland in cricket as well. Pakistani team mentally had accepted defeat when they were playing. Look at the scores. There was no spirit of winning. If this goes on then bye bye every sport in Pakistan.

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apoorva

Jul 03, 2015 08:57pm

@Fawad very well said bro

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Naseer

Jul 03, 2015 09:00pm

Our problem is politics in games and games in politics.

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Jaago

Jul 03, 2015 09:03pm

:( Can't imagine an Olympics without Pakistan Hockey Team. But I'm confident that they can bounce back. Happened to India too a few years back. Pakistan has too much talent and history in hockey to not stage a comeback.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jul 03, 2015 09:07pm

What a great tragedy? In order to re-kindle real field hockey in the world, Pakistan & other willing nations must join hands to bring back the "original, genuine, historic & traditional" field hockey played only on natural green-grass. In the process, they might be forced to form an alternative international hockey association. Infact it was a sinister conspiracy against world field hockey three decades ago hatched, perpetuated & executed by the wealthy western nations based on jungle law of "might is right" revolving around money, power, influence and vast resources to wrongly introduce astro-turf instead of natural grass in global field hockey backed by some of their cronies in Asia. Rest as they say is history. Unless the historic field hockey in its original form is re-introduced in the world, there are zero chances for Asian nations to make it to the top because of various reasons & variables, elaboration on which is beyond the scope, size & design of this short comment.

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Samrendra

Jul 03, 2015 09:23pm

Saddended by pakistan ouster.once india pak were world leader in hockey. But loosing to ireland in crusial match like this, shows pakistan was not fit to play in olympics

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Samrendra

Jul 03, 2015 09:27pm

@Omer khan once they start winning consistantly money will come.even in cricket their was no money for indian player before their world cup win 1983. Sponcer will only come when a team wins regularly and game is backed by large section of society.

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Mahendra Singh

Jul 03, 2015 09:31pm

It is sad. India is the only Asian team to make it to Rio Olympic so far. Pakistan did not play bad hockey but still losing to Ireland is not good at all. Remember Pakistan failed to qualify for last World cup too. With changing hockey now onward it would be difficult for Pakistan to rise in international hockey though we all love Pakistan hockey!

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Jul 03, 2015 09:35pm

Whole pakistani effort came only against india.......so, this show is no show in fact !!

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m singh

Jul 03, 2015 09:40pm

Nobody wants to loose the team has done the best to save there position only there luck was not on there said....other than teams like irland....

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Jul 03, 2015 09:42pm

If Govt. focussed on development of sports instead of creating troubles in the neighboring countries, this situation wouldn't have arised.

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Virendra

Jul 03, 2015 09:42pm

@Noor Only a few countries have hockey leagues to give their hockey players decent money. You think Irish, Polish or French players are making USD1000 per match - how you got this figure?? In fact when India launched Hockey League a couple of year back, a few lakh Indian rupees were enough to attract all best players in world. There is no money in field hockey anywhere. It is just that other countries are moving towards, better coaching, better technology, fitness, food and teamwork and less of in-fighting and corruption - while for Pakistan it is the other way around. Unfortunately people are not missing Pakistani hockey team since 90s.

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Navtej

Jul 03, 2015 10:22pm

Sad day for hockey. Both India and Pakistan are struggling to beat erstwhile minnows like France, Malaysia and NZ etc while you only hope they don't get hammered by Australia, Germany, Britain, Netherlands and now, even Belgium! Despite a sporadic or fluke win here and there, both countries are no-hopers and have been so for years now. Since no major investments are being done in either country in terms of infrastructure and sponsorship and with public interest in the game already low due to repeated failures, it is hard to envision a glorious future for hockey in the subcontinent. My advice: count your past Olympic titles and World Cups and be happy.

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Rizwan Hamid. USA

Jul 03, 2015 10:31pm

Up until yesterday, I was sad. Today I am mad. So let me ask all these commenting here that there is no money in hockey and we need grass roots level tournaments to produce talent. I agree , BUT, when was the last time if EVER you went to your kid's hockey game from his 8th class on up to college? I doubt if you ever went even once. When did you send in a a lousy 500 ruppees ( $4.90) to the PHF?? even 10 Ruppees? That even a beggar won't accept. Without people going to hockey matches, there will be no sponsorship, without which there will be no money in hockey. Kids also need role models to emulate. How many of you can name 15 top players in the past 5 years? I bet you can in cricket. So if you all want to know the root cause of Pakistan Hockey's failure and who to blame, just go to your bathroom and look in the mirror.

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Fazal Karim

Jul 03, 2015 11:15pm

After watching the matches, it is my impression that there was more of self play than accuracy in passing at the right time covering right and left wings. Pakistani are not good at fast play because they lack practice. Most of the goals scored by Pakistan came through penalty corners not through field passe. Pakistan needs to practice intensely like athletes in gymnastic and circus.

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Cyrus

Jul 03, 2015 11:19pm

@BILLI ... Unknown to most people field hockey is Ireland's national sport.

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JET LEE

Jul 03, 2015 11:21pm

No problem. Say good luck to Team India...

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Jul 03, 2015 11:25pm

@Robbing Hoods Good opinion. It has always been like that for decades, for more than half a century. Players played for national pride more than any other thing. Our hockey federation and various govts which came and went always cold shouldered hockey and the players. When v won rewards were promised but seldom honoured. Our players were disillusioned and preferred playing in Holand for local clubs and even in India. V can't expect them to play for national pride when no one cares for them or their livelihood. Well done Pak team for doing even this much.

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Cyrus

Jul 03, 2015 11:28pm

@Aleem ... How did they lose to a team like Ireland? Ireland played defense. They have been playing field hockey in Erin since the first caveman hit the second caveman over the heard with a tree limb. Look up "hurling" on Wikipedia.

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Jul 03, 2015 11:28pm

In the 1980's sensing Pakistan hockey's decline, I had jokingly predicted that after the '84 Olympics Pakistan would next win the gold medal in the 2016 Olympics. My joke was based on a simple geometric progression. Pakistan first won the gold medal in 1960 then after 8 years in 1968 and then after 16 years in 1984. So I predicted that it would take 16 times 2=32 years for Pakistan to win the gold again. But in the 2016 Olympics, Pakistan will not even be able to take part in this sport because it could not qualify. How the mighty have fallen! This is surely the darkest hour in Pakistan's proud hockey history.

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Shah

Jul 03, 2015 11:41pm

Well hopefully Pakistanis will cheer on India in the Olympics. I know I will!

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Nikhil

Jul 04, 2015 12:05am

This is terrible news for Subcontient and for Hockey as a whole. World Hockey needs India and Pakistan to be in top form and feature in all major tournaments. We were once the champions and the entire world used to look up to us and now we don't even get to qualify for the Olympics and the World Cup. Belgium/Argentina/Britain who were once considered minnows have now improved their play and are ranked above us in the World rankings. It is a dead game for both the nations now with the current players unwilling to improve their performance on the field due to lack of dedication/hard work and the new breed of players also not utilizing the chances given to them. I am still hopeful that the game's administrators of both the nations will pay some heed looking at dire situation of the game and will take steps to revive the sport which ironically is our national game.

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a ali

Jul 04, 2015 12:14am

sports was one aspect of our country where people around the world use to know us. after squash, cricket and hockey what else are we left with to show world what are we good at ?. nepotism, unprofessional selection, unprofessional managers with teams is what is leading us on the lowest ebb of our history after which we can only vanish but cannot surface again as a respected sporting country once we used to be. can we put some brains and put right people for the job ? or we will continue with Sethis in Cricket and some unknowns in hockey ?....

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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Jul 04, 2015 12:54am

My heart cries. All time low for everything for Pakistan. These 5 years of PPP and 3 years of PML-Ns government has destroyed everything. Pakistan was booming under Gen Pervaiz Musharraf

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Shahid

Jul 04, 2015 01:15am

@Nikhil Totally agree, distrust of both countries have pushed hockey to historic low. Pakistan and India once the power houses of hockey needs to plays more bilateral hockey to improve the game. Look at the standard of India Pakistan Hockey match. The mutual desire to outplay traditional rival(s) can be capitalized to improve the standard of hockey in Sub-Continent.

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Ch. Nazar Mahmood

Jul 04, 2015 01:37am

PHF chairman, selector, Coach and Captain Imran to be fired with immediately. Pack all hokey kits in bag and donate to some orphan. This is lesson for Sharyar Khan chairman PCB that your team is following similar fate, be careful in SL your captain Azhar is unable to win the game.

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Rizwan Hamid. USA

Jul 04, 2015 01:41am

@BILLI Those furure great players of hockey today are too bust thumbing their smartphones and sending meaningless text messages. To play good hockey, you need to keep your eye on the ball, not your email inbox.

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Satyameva Jayate

Jul 04, 2015 01:45am

Bangladesh does it in Cricket! Ireland does it in in Hockey!! Who did it in Squash? Result of focusing too much on defeating just India! Did NOT lose to India, though.

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Satyameva Jayate

Jul 04, 2015 01:47am

Pakistan should start Hockey-IPL, before India does.

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Saad

Jul 04, 2015 02:15am

This was obviously going to happen. Every other sport like hockey,football,athletics suffers due to Cricket. All the money is being pumped into cricket which quite frankly is not even a global game. You win the Cricket World Cup and most of the world does not even care

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khalid

Jul 04, 2015 03:07am

@Omer khan money. there was not much money in the times we won olympics golds, 4 world cup(no team has surpassed us yet). They played for the country and brought laurels. We either have no talent or no coaches who can train a world class team. end

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ALi Raza Syed

Jul 04, 2015 03:12am

after hockey next is cricket.we as a nation just waiting for another dark day.

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Zak

Jul 04, 2015 03:21am

Corruption at executive management level is the cause and the disgraceful results are there for everyone to see.

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J Javed

Jul 04, 2015 03:51am

What happened to the highly cheering and lewd gesture making team? Did it fall into it's own trap?

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surrinder gill ADVOCATE

Jul 04, 2015 03:55am

@Robbing Hoods The field hockey is played in more countries than cricket in which after 5 days wastage match ends in a draw.

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Erik

Jul 04, 2015 04:04am

Pakistan lacks good athletes. Hockey is all about power and stamina. Poor quality of food and polluted environment is producing under-nourished Pakistanis, so where will you get the players from. It is quite evident in all forms of sports in Pakistan, barring some individual performances here and there. Rest in peace Pakistan hockey and sports board.

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surrinder gill ADVOCATE

Jul 04, 2015 04:05am

Very sad. India Pak should revive glory of hockey training and working together. We should play as sportsmen and not a war on field. Showing bad gestures tell us about the background and brought up of a person. where are they now. shame to them. But do not loose heart. Work hard like Bruce and you will succeed. We want and wish olympic gold come back to sub continent.

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Jul 04, 2015 04:12am

Pakistan should sell me the team for 1 Ruppee. I can manage it better than what we currently have as team management. What a shame! Both Olympics and World Cup come after years, we had years to prepare and we still failed.

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Ikram

Jul 04, 2015 04:19am

You can compare Pakistan hockey's decline To the Roman Empire crumbling

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Rizwan Hamid USA

Jul 04, 2015 04:49am

World Cup= Nope, Olympic games=Nope, Commonwealth games= nope Asian Games = maybe The above is not the problem, the REAL DANGER is that based on their performance, at this rate they may not qualify for Pakistan National Games.

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MJK

Jul 04, 2015 05:43am

Let the blame game begin. That won't be an answer, that won't help. If you can't defeat Ireland, no excuse is acceptable. Plain fact is , we don't have any talents left in the country.

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Abu-Salmaan

Jul 04, 2015 08:14am

@Ali Well said, it should be no surprise to anyone. The Dark Days of Pakistan started since the Corrupt Rulers started taking turns and will not end till people will get rid of them and bring the honest and competent ones. You get what you deserve (under the circumstances).

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MDJ

Jul 04, 2015 08:43am

@Anup no body misses those who are missed in qualifying stage. It is competitive sport & everyone wants to see the emerging best.

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Harris M

Jul 04, 2015 09:40am

Congratulations!

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M. Saeed Awan

Jul 04, 2015 12:30pm

@Robbing Hoods In the past we were not rich when holding all titles. Poor infrastructure dear, poor management.

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Zahir

Jul 04, 2015 01:39pm

I do not blame these guys. Infact they deserve our thanks for keeping the game going when they get absolutely NOTHING in return. What future do these players have... any financial stability? They hardly have money for equipment and kit. The leaders of Pakistan should cancel one official Iftar dinner this year and give the money to Pakistan hockey federation. That should be enough for a year! Such a shame we blindly blame these poor lads who gave their best! Ask yourself this... would you be doing this for free?

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