Latest news with #AmmadShakeelButt
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
FIH Nations Cup final qualification: NBP hosts reception in honour of hockey team
KARACHI: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) hosted a reception in honour of Pakistan's national hockey team on their outstanding achievement of reaching the final of the FIH Nations Cup, marking a significant milestone in the country's hockey resurgence. The national team delivered a thrilling performance against France, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout to earn their place in the championship final of this prestigious tournament on the FIH calendar. NBP takes particular pride in recognizing the exceptional contributions of its own players and officials who have been instrumental in the national team's success throughout this tournament. Ammad Shakeel Butt, recipient of the President award, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and current captain of the Pakistan National Hockey Team, and player Junaid Manzoor have demonstrated outstanding skill and commitment on the field, while the coaching staff led by Head Coach Tahir Zaman, supported by Assistant Coaches Asif Ahmed Khan and Zeeshan Ashraf, and Goalkeeping Coach Mazhar Abbas, all valued members of NBP's hockey programme, have provided exemplary leadership and expertise that has been crucial to Pakistan's impressive run. An event was held at the NBP Head Office to honour the teams' success, where President and CEO NBP Rehmat Ali Hasnie graced the occasion, appreciated the players' outstanding efforts and presented shields in recognition. NBP Hockey players appreciated the recognition, viewing it as a motivating factor for their growth and development and thanked CEO NBP and management enabling them to excel and proudly represent the country on international platforms. Rehmat Ali Hasnie, President & Chief Executive Officer, National Bank of Pakistan, expressed great pride at the national triumph: 'The electrifying performance by the Green Shirts represents more than just a victory—it signals the dawn of a new golden era for Pakistani hockey. Proving their mettle on the international stage, our players and coaching staff have reignited the passion and pride in the game. NBP remains resolutely committed to national athletic development, consistently nurturing emerging talent across the country through our comprehensive support infrastructure. Our departmental platforms serve as vital catalysts for professional growth and international exposure. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
PHF welcomes reports of India allowing Pak for Asia Cup
Pakistan has expressed hope that sporting ties with India could begin to improve very soon. PHOTO: AFP Pakistan hockey officials and team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt have welcomed reports from India suggesting their national team will be allowed to compete in the upcoming Asia Cup, but stressed that any participation will hinge on approval from Islamabad. Indian media, citing sports ministry sources, reported that Pakistan's hockey team will face no hurdles in travelling to India for the tournament, scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29 to September 7. According to the Press Trust of India, the Indian sports ministry has already secured permissions from both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs, Telecom Asia Sport ( learnt on Friday. The Asia Cup is a crucial event for Pakistan hockey, serving as a qualifying tournament for next year's World Cup to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid struck a cautiously optimistic note when speaking to Telecom Asia Sport. "We have to wait and see to ascertain the credibility, but surely these are positive developments," Mujahid said. "However, let me make it clearour participation will depend on clearance from the government." Given this context, PHF officials had already written to the Asian Hockey Federation and the International Hockey Federation, seeking guarantees that players would receive the necessary visas not only for the Asia Cup but also for the FIH Junior World Cup, which India's Tamil Nadu state will host in November. Pakistan head coach Tahir Zaman said he was encouraged by the developments. "This is good news for not only Pakistan hockey but also for the international game," Zaman told Telecom Asia Sport. "Our participation will still depend on government clearance, and we look forward to that." Zaman added that players have been instructed to stay ready despite the uncertainty. "We are planning to hold a preparation camp for the Asia Cup, and even at this stage, players have been told to keep working on their fitness at home." Team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt also welcomed the reports and expressed hope that sporting ties between the two nations could begin to improve. "We welcome this and hope to get ready for the event as and when we get the permission," Butt said. Last month, he publicly appealed for the restoration of sporting ties between India and Pakistan.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Pakistan not taking Malaysia lightly despite strong head-to-head record
PAKISTAN men's hockey team coach Tahir Zaman admitted that his squad has no advantage against Malaysia in the opening match of the FIH Nations Cup tomorrow, despite having a good head-to-head record against the Speedy Tigers. According to him, past results cannot be used as a benchmark, and he holds great respect for the Malaysian team, which he considers a strong side. 'We will not go by records because nowadays hockey and world rankings have changed. We are quite aware of that. 'So, as I said, we do have respect for our opponents Malaysia. They are stronger when playing on home ground and with crowd support,' he told a pre-match press conference here today. Pakistan holds a strong record against Malaysia, with 20 wins, eight draws and five losses since 1968. The last time the two teams met was during the group stage of the Asian Champions Trophy, where the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Pakistan team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt described Malaysia as a formidable and experienced team that is difficult to beat. He said the match against Malaysia would serve as a good test for Pakistan. 'Malaysia is also a very strong opponent, and we are already preparing for that. So, we will give them a hard time,' he added.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Pakistan coach: No edge over Malaysia in Nations Cup
PAKISTAN men's hockey team coach Tahir Zaman admitted that his squad has no advantage against Malaysia in the opening match of the FIH Nations Cup tomorrow, despite having a good head-to-head record against the Speedy Tigers. According to him, past results cannot be used as a benchmark, and he holds great respect for the Malaysian team, which he considers a strong side. 'We will not go by records because nowadays hockey and world rankings have changed. We are quite aware of that. 'So, as I said, we do have respect for our opponents Malaysia. They are stronger when playing on home ground and with crowd support,' he told a pre-match press conference here today. Pakistan holds a strong record against Malaysia, with 20 wins, eight draws and five losses since 1968. The last time the two teams met was during the group stage of the Asian Champions Trophy, where the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Pakistan team captain Ammad Shakeel Butt described Malaysia as a formidable and experienced team that is difficult to beat. He said the match against Malaysia would serve as a good test for Pakistan. 'Malaysia is also a very strong opponent, and we are already preparing for that. So, we will give them a hard time,' he added.
