The rising journey of Sheraz Malik, hockey talent from Karachi making waves abroad
In Pakistan, sports have long been a source of national pride. From Olympic podiums to packed stadiums, the country once celebrated remarkable achievements in hockey, squash, wrestling, and cricket. However, today, countless athletes find themselves overlooked as mismanagement, favouritism, and a lack of merit-based opportunities dim the dreams of rising talent.
Among these athletes is Muhammad Sheraz Malik, a passionate and skilled hockey player born in Karachi. Rather than giving up, Malik chose to carry his dedication across borders and build a future where his efforts could be recognised. His journey from school tournaments in Pakistan to competitive leagues in Australia and New Zealand reflects both resilience and ambition.
He began his hockey journey at Habib Public School, a name deeply connected to Pakistan's field hockey legacy. The school has produced several national icons, including Sohail Abbas, Qamar Ibrahim, Kamran Ashraf, and Abbas Haider.
Inspired by these legends, Malik picked up a hockey stick with determination and joined his house team. By Grade 5, he had already captained the side to a runner-up finish and was named Best Player of the Tournament.
Under the guidance of Sir Shakir, who also coached Sohail Abbas, Malik developed strong fundamentals. He remained a regular player for the school team, representing Habib Public from Grade 6 to Grade 11 in various inter-school hockey tournaments.
His international exposure began early. In 2016, he travelled to Malaysia to participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament in Ipoh, representing his school on an international stage. In 2018, he again represented his school at the International Hockey Carnival held in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
After completing school, Malik joined the National Hockey Club of Pakistan, one of the country's most respected hockey institutions. He actively competed in Karachi's local hockey circuit, representing the club in numerous inter-club, inter-division, and national-level tournaments. These matches helped him mature as a player and gain valuable experience in Pakistan's senior competitive scene.
He also served as sports captain of Habib Public School (2018–2019), captain of Alpha College's hockey team, and vice captain of the Institute of Business Management hockey team, representing the institute in the All Pakistan Inter-University Championships.
With limited prospects for growth in Pakistan, Malik moved to Australia, where he continued to impress the hockey community. In 2023, he joined the Sydney Lions Hockey Club, playing in the Sydney Hockey League and earning the title of Best Emerging Player of the Season.
He went on to compete in the International Melbourne Hockey Cup 2023, the New Zealand Sikh Games 2023, where his team won Gold, and the Annual King's Birthday NZIHC Tournament, representing the Bay of Plenty Sports Club. He also participated in the Sydney Premier Hockey League 2024, playing for the UTS Hockey Club.
Malik's international achievements also include participating in a cultural tournament in Australia as part of the Pakistan Wolves, a team that competed against squads representing various nations. The Pakistan Wolves clinched Gold, further adding to his growing list of international accomplishments.
Now based in Australia, Malik continues to pursue excellence in field hockey, aiming to grow his career further with top-tier clubs and represent the sport at higher levels. His combination of local experience, international exposure, and unwavering dedication makes him an asset to any team.
For Malik, hockey has never just been a sport. It is a lifelong passion, a purpose, and a journey. From the school grounds of Karachi to stadiums in Australia and New Zealand, his story continues, and the best chapters are still to come.
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