Advertisement
Advertisement
LAUSANNE: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Thursday confirmed the Pakistan hockey team’s spot in the Pro League 2025.
A month earlier, the Pakistan hockey team received a formal invitation from the FIH to participate in the Hockey Pro League, scheduled to take place in December this year.
The invitation followed New Zealand’s decision not to participate in the FIH Hockey Pro League due to financial constraints.
Consequently, the FIH gave PHF a deadline to inform about its decision to accept or decline the invitation.
However, after the federal government approved a financial assistance package of Rs 250 million, it was all but confirmed that the national team would participate in the marquee event.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram expressed excitement about Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
“Great to see Pakistan back in elite competition – this is a truly impactful milestone for world hockey. Their return marks not only the comeback of a team with such a rich and storied history, but also an exciting boost to the visibility and reach of the FIH Hockey Pro League,” he said.
“I can already anticipate an enhanced visibility of the Pro League with Pakistan’s participation. Congratulations to the Pakistan men’s team for qualifying through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and earning their place in the ‘League of the Best’ for the very first time,” he added.
The FIH president discussed opportunities at the entry level and the pathway to reaching the top level.
This achievement is a strong example of how creating more opportunities at every level of our sport fosters growth and provides a natural pathway to the very top,” the apex body president concluded.
For context, the FIH Pro League began in 2019 and is contested annually by the top nine national hockey teams, as ranked.
Pakistan’s hockey team will join Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and Spain in the Hockey Pro League – the seventh edition of the competition.
The Green Shirts will replace Ireland, who were relegated at the end of the previous season, following their ninth-place finish in the league.
The team with the highest points at the end of the tournament is crowned Champion and awarded the Pro League Trophy.
