KARACHI, May 16: Despite experiencing his team's worst ever effort in the Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, Pakistan captain Rehan Butt said on Wednesday that he was not disappointed with the performance and believed the squad has returned with some positives from Ipoh, Malaysia.

The team finished a poor sixth in the event.

The Pakistanis, who were among top contenders for the title before the start of the event, only succeeded in recording victories against minnows China and Canada. The visitors were humiliated by Argentina 4-2 in the fifth-sixth position play-off.

“Though we had an ordinary tournament, I would not term my team's performance as totally unsatisfactory since some of the youngsters who got a chance proved their worth,” Rehan told reporters here at the Karachi Airport after the team's arrival.

The seasoned striker said except in the game against South Korea, the team played some competitive hockey in the tournament. To a query regarding the possible return of black-listed senior players like Sohail Abbas, Saqlain and others, Rehan said he was not in a position to comment on the issue. — APP

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...