The stage is set for the elusive Hockey World Cup 2023 is going to start in less than a week time. The showpiece event which is being organised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will be held in Bhubaneswar-Rourkela from January 13 to January 29. This will be the fourth time that India will be hosting the Hockey World Cup. Indian team is gearing up for the 15th edition of the marquee tournament which will see the participation of a total of 16 countries across the globe.
But there is one team, who will not be featuring in 15th edition, yet is the most successful team in the history of Hockey World Cups. That team is Pakistan, who have failed to qualify for the Hockey World Cup 2023, but have a rich history of the very sport. Pakistan have clinched more titles than India.
Let's know how may times Pakistan have bagged the coveted trophy.
Hockey World Cup 2023 sans giant Pakistan
Pakistan couldn't qualify for the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup. The team failed to make it to the top four teams in the Asia Cup, which is why for the first time ever the marquee event will be held without the Pakistan team. As far as Pakistan's arch-rivals India's performance is concerned, they may have won eight Olympic Gold Medals but the team has so far pocketed the World Cup title only once which came in 1975.
On the other hand, India's neighbouring nation Pakistan are the most successful team in World Cup history. From 1970 to 1980, Pakistan was the best team in the World Cup. During this period, they had won a total of three titles out of four.
But soon after other nations like Netherlands, Germany and Australia came into fray who dampened Pakistan's dominance. Pakistan won their last World Cup in 1994. Back then they got the better of Netherlands in the final. For the last two decades, the Pakistan team has not been able to win a single title. Meanwhile, let's take you through the instances when Pakistan won the Hockey World Cup titles.
1971
1971 was the first edition of the Hockey World Cup which was held in Barcelona, Spain from October 15 to October 24. Back then, Pakistan grabbed the title after seeing off Spain 1-0 in the summit clash. This was the first World Cup which was played without qualification. Pakistan's team was in Group B alongwith Australia, Spain, Netherlands and Japan.
1978
The fourth edition of the Men's Hockey World Cup was held in 1978 which took place in Argentina. Yet again, Pakistan continued their dominance and defeated Netherlands by 3-1. Hosts Argentina were ranked eighth in the tournament. Pakistan's team was in Pool B including Netherlands, Spain, Argentina, Malaysia, Ireland and Italy.
1982
The fifth edition of the Hockey World Cup was played in the year 1982 which was held in India. A total of 12 teams participated in it but Pakistan again were crowned as champions as they defeated West Germany 3-1 in the final. Pakistan were placed with West Germany, Poland, New Zealand, Spain and Argentina in Pool A.
1994
This was the eighth edition of the Hockey World Cup and was organised in Sydney, Australia from November 23 to December 4. Back then Pakistan defeated Netherlands 4-3 on penalties to win their fourth title. Pakistan was placed in Pool A which also consisted Australia, England, Argentina, Spain and Belarus.
