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Pakistan's men's hockey team has failed to book a berth for the Olympic Games for a third consecutive time. After a 0-4 loss to Germany in the FIH Qualifiers in Oman, they lost 2-3 to New Zealand on January 21 which ended their hopes of flying to Paris.
The last time Pakistan made an appearance in the mega event was at London Olympics 2012. They finished seventh which is their second-worst finish in Games' history. They have been able to bag a medal on eight occasions including three gold in 1960, 1968, and 1984 editions.
Olympian Wasim Feroze, who was a part of Pakistan's 1994 World Cup and Champions Trophy winning teams, was left frustrated by Pakistan's lack of practice.
"What do you expect bhai (brother), when the team is sent to the Olympic qualifiers with just 18 days training whereas all the other teams have come there with months of preparation and training," he told PTI.
The problem in the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is a deep-rooted one. From players to coaches, contract series and non-payment of allowances have led to their team being in disarray. At times, financial crises led to them pulling out of international events.
However, the crisis escalated two months ago when Brigadier (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokar, who had been serving as the PHF President since 2015, was removed from his position by the patron in chief, the caretaker prime minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar. This sudden change in leadership led to a state of confusion and chaos within the federation.
Khokar, despite his removal, refused to acknowledge the government's decision and continued to assert his authority, effectively creating a situation of parallel authorities within the PHF. This internal power struggle further added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the players and coaches involved in Pakistan's hockey program.
One of the significant concerns during this turmoil was Khokar's threat to approach the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and seek the suspension of the PHF. He claimed that only he was recognised by the world body, further deepening the division within Pakistan's hockey administration.
On the other hand, arch-rivals India qualified for Paris last year with gold in the Asian Games. Feroze who is also a national selector wants Pakistan to opt out of international events until the turmoil in PHF comes to an end.
"There is no money for players and there is so much politics in the national federation and even at the grassroots level. Better we first resolve these things then go and play in international events and get embarrassed," he said.
Former captain, Samiullah questioned the players' fitness levels as he was left depressed by their loss to New Zealand.
"I mean, if we can't even win one match, which was like a final for us, what is going to happen? In the last quarter of the match against NZ the players just didn't have the fitness or spirit to secure victory," he said.
World Cup 1978-winning captain Islahuddin Siddiqui felt sad for players due to poor management as they were under-prepared for the qualifiers.
"Pakistan hockey has been in a mess for the last four-five years because of the governance. Coaches have changed so rapidly and players are not sure about their financial security. It is so sad," he said.
Another former Pakistan captain, Hasan Sardar made a similar statement for the Pakistan team which has failed to win a major title since Asia Cup 2010.
"I mean I don't know what the government is also doing because weeks before the Olympic qualifiers the President of the federation is sacked and he refuses to accept the decision. Coaches are changed, old players are brought back," he said. "How can a team combination be prepared in 2-3 weeks?" he asked.
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