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Business Recorder
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan must fix defence to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar
As Pakistan gear up to face New Zealand in the final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur today, former Olympian Hassan Sardar has praised the team's attacking improvements but cautioned that defensive lapses must be addressed to clinch the title and earn promotion to the prestigious FIH Pro League. In an exclusive interview with Business Recorder, Sardar, who led Pakistan to Olympic gold in 1984 and a World Cup title in 1982, said the team showed real promise in attack, particularly with their ability to score field goals and capitalize on penalty corners. 'The positive thing is that our forward line is scoring field goals and we are converting penalty corners too,' Sardar noted. 'That's very encouraging in modern hockey.' However, he emphasised that winning the final will require defensive discipline and collective responsibility. 'Defensively, I saw many mistakes. We need to work as a unit, not just in the forward line but overall,' he said. 'When the forwards are out of the game, midfield and defense must step up. They should remain connected like a chain.' Sardar stressed that modern hockey demands an all-round approach. 'Defense and attack go hand in hand. All eleven players must support each other. That's what wins matches today.' Nations Cup final: a ticket to the elite level The Nations Cup is not just a trophy - it's a gateway. A win today will promote Pakistan to the FIH Pro League, joining global powerhouses like Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and India. 'This is a small league, but winning it opens the door to the senior league. That's where real international hockey is played,' said Sardar. 'Pakistan has a high chance of qualifying.' Road to redemption Despite a group-stage loss to New Zealand, Pakistan have impressed with resilience and improved structure throughout the tournament. Their semi-final win was a testament to grit and growing confidence. Now, they get a chance at redemption, against the same team they previously lost to, but with silverware and Pro League promotion on the line. 'I believe this team will win' Sardar also praised the team's fighting spirit, the team had played throughout the tournament. 'I liked the performance of the Pakistan Hockey team. The matches won and lost were played well. It's a good sign that the team played well,' he said. 'Although they lost to New Zealand earlier, I believe this team will win. Their morale is high, and that's a good sign.'
Business Recorder
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistan must fix defense to beat New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final: Hassan Sardar
As Pakistan gear up to face New Zealand in the final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur today, former Olympian Hassan Sardar has praised the team's attacking improvements but cautioned that defensive lapses must be addressed to clinch the title and earn promotion to the prestigious FIH Pro League. In an exclusive interview with Business Recorder, Sardar, who led Pakistan to Olympic gold in 1984 and a World Cup title in 1982, said the team showed real promise in attack, particularly with their ability to score field goals and capitalize on penalty corners. 'The positive thing is that our forward line is scoring field goals and we are converting penalty corners too,' Sardar noted. 'That's very encouraging in modern hockey.' However, he emphasised that winning the final will require defensive discipline and collective responsibility. 'Defensively, I saw many mistakes. We need to work as a unit, not just in the forward line but overall,' he said. 'When the forwards are out of the game, midfield and defense must step up. They should remain connected like a chain.' Sardar stressed that modern hockey demands an all-round approach. 'Defense and attack go hand in hand. All eleven players must support each other. That's what wins matches today.' Nations Cup final: a ticket to the elite level The Nations Cup is not just a trophy - it's a gateway. A win today will promote Pakistan to the FIH Pro League, joining global powerhouses like Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and India. 'This is a small league, but winning it opens the door to the senior league. That's where real international hockey is played,' said Sardar. 'Pakistan has a high chance of qualifying.' Road to redemption Despite a group-stage loss to New Zealand, Pakistan have impressed with resilience and improved structure throughout the tournament. Their semi-final win was a testament to grit and growing confidence. Now, they get a chance at redemption, against the same team they previously lost to, but with silverware and Pro League promotion on the line. 'I believe this team will win' Sardar also praised the team's fighting spirit. 'I liked the performance of the Pakistan Hockey team. The matches won and lost were played well. It's a good sign that the team played well,' he said. 'Although they lost to New Zealand earlier, I believe this team will win. Their morale is high, and that's a good sign.' Watch Live Pakistani fans can catch the final live at 6:00 PM PST on Tapmad.
Arab News
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Pakistan to face New Zealand in FIH Nations Cup final today
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will face New Zealand today, Saturday, in the final of the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Spirited Pakistan defeated France 3-2 on penalty shootouts to qualify for the Nations Cup final at the National Hockey Stadium on Friday. Goalkeeper Muneeb-ur-Rehman blocked three French chances, while Rana Waheed Ashraf, Hannan Shahid and Afraz struck for Pakistan to clinch a highly-rewarding victory. 'Heartiest congratulations to our Green Shirts on reaching the Nations Cup final,' Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on X. 'The team turned the match around with courage, skill and determination — a proud moment for the entire nation.' Hockey is Pakistan's national sport. The national team boasts a proud legacy with three Olympic gold medals in 1960, 1968 and 1984, along with four World Cup titles in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994. But the sport has faced a sharp decline in Pakistan in recent decades due to administrative challenges, underinvestment and inadequate infrastructure. Renewed efforts are underway to revive the game with increased government support, youth development initiatives and greater international engagement aimed at restoring Pakistan's former glory in the sport. The winner of Saturday's final will earn promotion to the elite FIH Hockey Pro League 2025–26 season.
