Pakistan’s national hockey team, which recently clinched the silver medal in the Nations Hockey Cup 2025, arrived back home to a rousing welcome at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Sunday.
Family members, friends, and well-wishers turned out in large numbers to receive the players, celebrating their achievement with cheers, garlands, and warm embraces.
The joyous scenes at the airport reflected national pride in the team's impressive performance on the international stage.
Among those present to welcome the team were notable figures from the hockey community, including former international players and officials such as Habib ur Rehman Chishti, Farooq, Ajmal Hameed Butt, Mushtaq Ahmed, and Tariq Butt.
The atmosphere was one of appreciation and solidarity for the athletes’ efforts.
Senior players Hammad Butt and legendary former Olympian Tahir Zaman addressed the media at the airport.
While expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Hammad Butt stressed the importance of continued effort and development in the sport. “We will keep working harder.
Words alone won’t solve our problems; only consistent work will bring improvement,” he remarked.
However, Hammad also expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of official recognition.
“It’s unfortunate that no formal delegation came to receive us,” he said. “We need genuine appreciation, not just lip service.”
Tahir Zaman echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for action and acknowledgment.
“We carry a mindset driven by intensity and determination,” he said. “Despite emerging from a period of stagnation, our efforts have not received the recognition they deserve.”
He said that the players should be encouraged and their efforts must be lauded.