Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a generous prize of Rs1 million for each member of the Pakistan hockey team, in a gesture of appreciation for their outstanding performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024. Despite narrowly missing out on the title, the team’s remarkable display throughout the tournament has earned them this commendable reward.
The announcement comes following Pakistan’s commendable journey in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where they reached the final for the first time in 13 years. Despite a valiant effort in the final match against Japan, Pakistan fell short in a gripping encounter that ended 2-2 in normal time, ultimately losing out 4-1 in a tense penalty shootout.
The heroic efforts of the Pakistan Hockey Team did not go unnoticed, as they were welcomed back home with open arms at Lahore Airport. Prime Minister Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashood, former captain Chaudhry Akhtar Rasool, Muhammad Saqlain, Anjum Saeed, and other dignitaries were present to celebrate the team’s achievement and extend their congratulations.
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Reflecting on the final showdown, Japan’s goalkeeper emerged as the hero, making crucial saves during the penalty shootout to secure victory for his team. Despite the disappointment of the loss, Pakistan’s performance throughout the tournament showcased their resilience and determination.
In the round-robin matches leading up to the final, both Japan and Pakistan emerged as the top two teams on the points table, remaining unbeaten throughout. Japan claimed the top spot with 13 points, while Pakistan secured the second position with 11 points, setting the stage for an epic final showdown.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s gesture of rewarding the players highlights the government’s commitment to recognizing and supporting excellence in sports.
