Lahore, June 22, 2025: Following Pakistan’s 6-2 defeat to in the final of the FIH Nations Cup, national hockey team captain Ammad Butt took to Instagram to pen an emotional note, celebrating his team’s resilience and rekindling national pride despite the loss.
“We didn’t lose. We won hearts. We brought hockey back to life,” wrote Ammad in a heartfelt message, reflecting on the team’s historic run to the final after an 11-year drought. “This silver medal is not a defeat. It’s a symbol of hope, belief, and revival. A reminder that we are moving forward, and the dream is alive.”
The post quickly garnered widespread attention and praise from fans and former players, many hailing the team’s achievement as a much-needed revival of Pakistan hockey.
“Yes, the trophy slipped away today, but the fire within us burns brighter than ever. We are not far from the day we bring it home, InShaAllah,” Ammad continued, dedicating the performance to his teammates, support staff, and the nation.
“This is not the end. It is just the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistan hockey,” he concluded.
The final, played at Malaysia’s National Hockey Stadium, saw New Zealand dominate early, with Scott Cosslett converting a penalty corner in the sixth minute after two initial disallowed goals. Sam Hiha doubled the lead just before the end of the first quarter, followed by a goal spree in the second quarter as Dylan Thomas, Sean Findlay, and Scott Boyde made it 5-0 before halftime.
Pakistan fought back in the third quarter, with Zikriya Hayat netting their first goal. Despite earning five penalty corners in the same quarter, the Green Shirts were unable to narrow the deficit further.
New Zealand’s Cosslett struck again in the final quarter via a penalty corner, taking the score to 6-1. Pakistan’s Sufyan Khan added a late consolation goal, but New Zealand held on to lift the FIH Nations Cup in commanding fashion.
While the final result fell short of a championship win, Pakistan’s journey to the final — including victories over Canada and France — marked a significant turnaround for the once-dominant hockey nation. The silver medal is the team’s best international finish in over a decade and has reignited public enthusiasm for the sport.
With the dream of revival now visibly in motion, fans across Pakistan are celebrating not just the medal, but the resurgence of their national hockey team — and the passion of a captain determined to lead them forward.
