Pakistan’s hockey team is a strong contender for the title of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024, which is currently being held in Moqi, China. The men in green tied two matches, against Malaysia and South Korea, before securing their first victory against Japan. They then went on to defeat China, securing their place in the semi-finals.
National hockey team captain Ammad Butt is leading the squad in their quest for glory at the championship. In an exclusive and candid conversation, he shed light on the current state of hockey and his life and career.
Hailing from a small town in Sialkot, Punjab, Ammad’s journey exemplifies the indomitable spirit needed to embrace victory by overcoming life’s challenges. Ammad aspired to follow in the footsteps of the many renowned hockey players from Sialkot.
His hard work paid off when he was selected directly for the national hockey team, a feat only a few players have achieved. However, he faced serious injuries at the start of his career, posing a significant threat to his sports progression. Nevertheless, he remained determined to recover and regain his form, a difficult goal he achieved through perseverance.
He went on to be part of the team that defeated the Netherlands and India in the quarterfinals and semifinals of the 2014 Champions Trophy in India, playing in the final after more than 15 years to secure a silver medal for the country. Defeating India on their home soil, in front of over 70,000 spectators, remains the most memorable moment of Ammad’s hockey career, which he fondly reminisces.
Ammad has another feather in his cap for winning the ‘Magical Skills Scorer’ award from the International Hockey Federation for one of his incredible goals in the Olympic qualifying round played in 2019 in Oman.
While he acknowledges the significant decline of hockey in Pakistan, Ammad is hopeful that with support from the Government of Pakistan, the Pakistan Hockey Federation, and private sponsors like PTCL Group, the sport will eventually bounce back. He expressed gratitude to PTCL Group for its support during the ongoing championship. Ammad had the opportunity to join a British club and pursue a career in the UK but he instead chose to play for the national team. He is eager to witness the revival of hockey in Pakistan, with hopes that the country will once again make its presence felt on the global stage—starting with the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy in China.
