Amstelveen, September 18, 2026: Pakistan forward Abdul Rehman has won the men’s Magic Skill Award following the conclusion of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
Rehman was recognised for his outstanding 3D skills during Pakistan’s match against Wales, where he dribbled past four defenders before calmly finishing to score a spectacular goal.
The strike emerged as the fans’ favourite, securing 44 per cent of the total votes in the men’s category. Kenton Melville finished second with 39 per cent for his audacious goal.
Hockey fans worldwide voted from September 4 to 13 to select the moments that best showcased skill and creativity during the World Cup. The shortlist featured six moments, with three selected from the men’s competition and three from the women’s tournament.
The Poligras Magic Skill Award, presented by FIH Global Supplier Polytan, recognises exceptional talent, creativity and innovative skills displayed by hockey players on the world stage.
India goalkeeper Bichu Devi Karibam won the women’s award for a stunning reflex save in the final minute of India’s match against England.
Her intervention helped India progress from the pool stage before they finished fifth in the tournament, their best Women’s World Cup finish in 52 years. Bichu Devi received 52 per cent of the votes, finishing ahead of the other two nominees.
The awards highlighted some of the memorable moments of the tournament, showcasing attacking flair, goalkeeping excellence and innovative skills in modern hockey.
Pakistan finished 11th at the World Cup after defeating South Africa in a penalty shootout in their final classification match, securing their best finish in 20 years.
The four-time champions began their campaign in Pool D with a 4-1 defeat to England on August 15 before drawing 3-3 with Wales two days later. They then lost 5-3 to arch-rivals India on August 19, ending their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Pakistan subsequently entered the classification round and defeated Japan 4-3 on August 22, but New Zealand ended their progress with a 4-2 victory on August 24.
In the 11th-place play-off, Pakistan drew 4-4 with South Africa in regulation time before winning 4-3 on penalties. Ammad Butt converted the decisive penalty to seal the victory.
The 11th-place finish marked Pakistan’s best World Cup result since 2006, when they finished sixth. They finished 12th in the 2010 and 2018 editions and missed the 2014 and 2023 tournaments.
