ISLAMABAD: It was a night of fierce tackles, flying sticks, and unforgettable drama—but what truly lit up social media came after the final whistle.
Pakistan’s men’s hockey team edged past France in a nerve-shredding semi-final at the Nations Hockey Cup, winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout after an electric 3-3 draw in regulation.
Yet, it wasn’t just the on-field heroics that had tongues wagging—it was captain Ammad Butt’s cheeky Instagram post that sent fans and critics scrambling for their keyboards.
Shortly after the final buzzer, Butt posted a now-deleted story that read simply: “Rafale down again.”
A cryptic but unmistakable nod to the French-made Rafale fighter jets, the phrase stirred memories of geopolitical tensions, especially Pakistan’s past claims of shooting down Indian Rafales jets that have become symbolic in regional military narratives.
The post, seen by thousands before disappearing, drew both cheers and groans online. Some called it “classic banter,” while others labelled it “unnecessary provocation.”
Regardless, it turned a hockey victory into a trending topic that reached far beyond the field.
Battle on turf
The game itself was a pulsating contest at Kuala Lumpur’s buzzing stadium. France came out firing, netting in the 10th minute and again early in the third quarter to build a 2-0 cushion.
But Pakistan wasn’t done. In a display of gritty resilience, Rana Waheed Ashraf struck back within minutes. Sufiyan Muqeem converted a penalty to level the score, and then Waheed pounced again, handing Pakistan the lead.
But the drama had one more twist to offer. In the dying seconds, France’s Charlotte Victor silenced Pakistani cheers by tying the match, forcing a shootout.
Then came the heroics. Goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman turned into an impenetrable wall, denying three French attempts. Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and the ever-clutch Waheed converted their shots to seal Pakistan’s place in the final.
Eyes on the prize
With the 3-2 shootout win, Pakistan now gears up for a high-stakes final against New Zealand on June 21—a shot at reclaiming international hockey glory after years in the wilderness.
As Pakistan prepares to take on New Zealand in the final of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in a few hours’ time in Kuala Lumpur, former Olympian Hassan Sardar has lauded the team’s attacking prowess while urging immediate improvements in defence.
Sardar- who famously led Pakistan to Olympic gold in 1984 and a World Cup title in 1982—praised the forward line’s ability to score field goals and convert penalty corners, calling it a promising sign in the context of modern hockey.
However, Sardar warned that the team’s defensive vulnerabilities could prove costly in the final.
He stressed the need for cohesion across all positions, saying the entire team must function like a connected unit, with midfield and defence stepping up when attackers are out of play.
“All eleven players must support each other—defence and attack go hand in hand,” he said. With the Nations Cup offering not just a trophy but promotion to the elite FIH Pro League, Sardar emphasized the high stakes, adding, “Winning this opens the door to real international hockey. Pakistan has a solid chance.”
