The Pakistan-India hockey rivalry continues to attract strong fan interest, with the recent World Cup clash between the traditional rivals drawing a full house, according to International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram.
Ikram said the Pakistan-India match generated significant interest both at the venue and among viewers, highlighting the importance of fixtures between the two sides for international and Asian hockey.
World Cup Attracting Strong Crowds
Speaking about the ongoing Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, Ikram said the tournament’s growing popularity was encouraging. He noted that matches involving the Netherlands had also attracted large crowds, with the Pakistan-India fixture becoming another major attendance highlight.
He said the continued support from spectators demonstrated the strong appeal of hockey in countries where the sport has a deep-rooted following.
Pakistan Hockey League Could Boost Local Talent
Discussing the prospects of a hockey league in Pakistan, Ikram said a domestic Pakistan Hockey League could help revive the sport and provide local players with greater opportunities to showcase their talent.
He said a professional league could create a stronger platform for Pakistani players and contribute to the development of hockey at the national level.
Tayyab Ikram Welcomes Sitara-e-Imtiaz
Ikram also expressed gratitude over the government’s announcement of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, describing the honour as a major achievement and a source of motivation to continue working for the development of hockey.
He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the President of Pakistan for the recognition.
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