ISLAMABAD: Pakistan ended a 16-year wait for a Hockey World Cup victory after defeating Japan 4-3 in a thrilling classification match on Saturday.
Pakistan produced an impressive attacking performance, with Rana Waheed scoring twice, while Hannan Shahid and Hammad contributed one goal each to help the national side secure the long-awaited victory.
The closely contested encounter saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but Pakistan managed to hold their nerve and finish on top with four goals against Japan’s three.
The victory carries special significance for Pakistan hockey as it marked the national team’s first win at a Hockey World Cup since 2010.
Pakistan’s previous World Cup victory came against Spain in the 2010 edition, when the Green Shirts registered a 2-1 win. Since then, Pakistan had endured a prolonged winless run at the global tournament.
The former four-time world champions also failed to qualify for the 2014 Hockey World Cup, highlighting a difficult period for a country with one of the richest histories in international hockey.
Pakistan returned to the tournament in 2018 but were unable to win a single match during that campaign.
Saturday’s victory over Japan therefore ended a lengthy drought and provided a much-needed positive result for the national team on the world stage.
Pakistan remain one of the most successful teams in Hockey World Cup history, having won the prestigious tournament four times. The latest result will offer encouragement to the Green Shirts as they look to rebuild their standing in international hockey.
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