Pakistan rewards hockey team for qualifying for World Cup

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a reward of Rs1.5 million for each player of the Pakistan national hockey team following their successful qualification for the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup The announcement, reported by state-run media, confirms the government's recognition of the team's performance

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), this achievement marks the team’s return to the prestigious tournament after an eight-year absence The upcoming World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands

The PMO statement described the team’s performance as a “significant step towards promoting hockey in Pakistan” and formally acknowledged the players' “hard work and dedication to the sport” The premier also noted that the team's participation in the World Cup qualifiers, which the PMO stated were held in Egypt, had “generated excitement and enthusiasm among hockey fans” across the nation

This financial incentive is intended to honour the players' efforts and to further encourage the development of the national sport, reflecting a high level of support from the country's leadership