Pakistan hockey team captain Ammad Butt has apologised to the nation after the team’s disappointing performance in the Pro Hockey League. In a statement posted on social media, Butt acknowledged the team’s poor results, saying they fell short of expectations and expressing regret to fans for the disappointing campaign.
‘The results in the Pro Hockey League were not encouraging. I sincerely apologise to the entire nation. Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us and understands the challenges we are facing,” he said. The captain added that dealing with defeat is never easy for any player.
“It is not easy to go to sleep carrying the burden of defeat on our shoulders. We gave our best within our capabilities. Champions are not born, they are made.” Butt emphasised that while the players did everything they could, Pakistan must improve its overall system to compete with the world’s top hockey nations.
“We have to increase our capacity to compete with the best teams in the world. Our federation and the government must play their role. This is not the time for reactions; it is the time for action.”
Despite facing criticism, Butt said he would continue to speak up for the betterment of Pakistan hockey. “I will continue to raise my voice and do whatever is necessary to help our players perform at their best.”
He pointed out that people often judge only the results without considering the difference in preparation.
“You see our results, but you do not see the long-term development programs of players in other countries. They prepare their players over many years, whereas we often have to wait for training camps to be announced just before major tournaments.” The national captain concluded by saying that he was not complaining but calling for meaningful reforms.
It is mentioned here that Pakistan’s FIH Pro League campaign ended on a disappointing note with a 7-0 defeat to England at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Saturday, extending the team’s losing streak to 16 matches.
Pakistan finished the nine-team tournament without a single win, losing all 16 matches—playing each of the other eight teams twice. The team ended at the bottom of the standings with a goal difference of -57.
Read more: Pakistan suffers 3-4 loss against India in the FIH Pro League in London
