ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a cash reward of Rs1.5 million [$5,357] for each member of the men’s national hockey team on Monday, his office said after the Green Shirts qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
Pakistan pulled off a last-gasp 4-3 victory over Japan last week during the Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Egypt. The thrilling win ensured Pakistan secured a place for itself in the World Cup tournament, scheduled to be held in August this year in Belgium and Netherlands.
“Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash reward of Rs1.5 million [$5,357] for each player of the national hockey team in recognition of their outstanding performance in the World Cup qualifiers,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
“This move is not only a recognition of the team’s hard work and dedication to the game but also a major step toward the promotion of hockey in Pakistan.”
Hockey is Pakistan’s national sport but the country, a three-time Olympic champion and four-time World Cup winner, has fallen to as low as 12th in the international rankings.
