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KUALA LUMPUR: Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt delivered an emotional message following his team’s 6-2 defeat to New Zealand in the final of the FIH Nations Cup 2024, held at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
New Zealand produced a clinical display to outclass Pakistan in the title clash. Despite having two early goals disallowed, the Black Sticks found the net in the sixth minute through a penalty corner conversion by Scott Cosslett.
Sam Hiha then doubled the lead just before the end of the first quarter.
The Kiwis turned up the heat in the second quarter, adding three more goals via Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde to head into half-time with a commanding 5-0 lead.
Pakistan showed signs of a fightback in the third quarter, with Zikriya Hayat scoring their first goal. However, despite earning five penalty corners in that phase, they couldn’t convert further chances.
Cosslett struck again in the final quarter to make it 6-1 before Sufyan Khan pulled one back with a penalty corner conversion, but it was too little, too late.
New Zealand walked away with the FIH Nations Cup trophy, denying Pakistan a fairytale finish.
Following the match, Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt, took to Instagram and expressed immense pride in the team’s journey.
“We didn’t lose. We won hearts. We brought hockey back to life,” he wrote. “After 11 long years, reaching the final was not just a milestone — it was a message: Pakistan is rising again.”
“This silver medal is not a defeat. It’s a symbol of hope, belief, and revival. A reminder that we are moving forward, and the dream is alive.”
Ammad also emphasised that the final loss does not mark the end but a new beginning.
“Yes, the trophy slipped away today, but the fire within us burns brighter than ever. We are not far from the day we bring it home, InShaAllah,” he added.
“This is not the end. It is just the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistan hockey. To the team — on and off the field — thank you for your heart, your unity, and your fight.”
He also thanked the nation for its support and prayers during the tournament, while stressing that the hockey team will keep fighting and giving their best.
“To the nation, your prayers and support kept us going. This moment belongs to all of us,” Ammad Butt stated.
“We will keep going. We will keep fighting. And we will fight till the very last breath. The journey continues. The dream lives on. Pakistan Zindabad.”
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