Pakistan’s national hockey team has departed Lahore for the Netherlands and Belgium ahead of its first FIH World Cup appearance in eight years.
LAHORE: Pakistan’s national hockey team has departed Lahore for the Netherlands and Belgium, beginning its long-awaited return to the FIH Hockey World Cup after an eight-year absence.
The Green Shirts left Allama Iqbal International Airport on Sunday, Aug. 9, with players and coaching staff heading to Europe for the tournament, which will be held from Aug. 15 to 30.
Pakistan’s return carries added significance after the team secured qualification through a dramatic comeback against Japan earlier this year. The result ended the former world champions’ eight-year wait to compete on hockey’s biggest stage.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said major logistical arrangements for the squad had been completed before departure. Travel, accommodation and food arrangements for the players and coaching staff have been finalised, allowing the team to concentrate on tournament preparations.
The federation has also released Rs200 million in foreign daily allowances for the players, with the funds transferred to team members’ accounts.
PHF President Mohyuddin Wani said the welfare of players and coaches remained a priority, adding that financial and administrative matters had been addressed ahead of the team’s departure.
Pakistan have been drawn in Pool D alongside England, India and Wales, creating a challenging group-stage schedule.
The Green Shirts will begin their campaign against England on Aug. 15, before facing Wales on Aug. 17 and arch-rivals India on Aug. 19.
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