AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: Pakistan’s men’s hockey contingent touched down in the Netherlands on Monday to feature in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026, a major global event being jointly staged by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.
Upon arrival, the squad received a warm welcome at the airport from representatives of the Pakistan Embassy based in the Netherlands, signalling strong diplomatic support for the team’s campaign.
Pakistan Hockey Team Reaches the Netherlands for the FIH World Cup! 🏑🇳🇱
The national squad has safely landed in the Netherlands to participate in the upcoming FIH World Cup. #PakistanHockey #FIHWorldCup #PakistanZindabad #Hockey #PHF #NationalTeam pic.twitter.com/EeH0mNWOtQ
— Pakistan Hockey Federation (@PakHockeyFed) August 10, 2026
The team had departed from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on Sunday, with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) ensuring all travel and accommodation arrangements were in place prior to their journey.
Pakistan Hockey Team captain Abu Bakar in an exclusive interview with me ahead of World Cup:
“There is no extra pressure of captaincy. Senior players make decisions together for team.We will approach in World Cup with the aim of making it to the victory stand.#Hockey #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Y3z7mfU746— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) August 10, 2026
Financial support for players and staff
In a significant move to ease financial pressures, the PHF deposited Rs20 million into the bank accounts of players and coaching staff as foreign daily allowances before their departure.
According to the federation, the initiative was aimed at allowing athletes to concentrate entirely on their on-field performance without being distracted by monetary issues.
“The federation’s objective is to free the players from financial concerns and allow them to focus fully on their performance on the field,” the PHF stated.
Read Also: Abu Bakar Handed Captaincy as Pakistan Hockey Looks to Rebuild After Pro League Nightmare
All logistical arrangements completed
The federation confirmed that all logistical matters, including travel, accommodation, meals, local transport, and the shipment of sports equipment, had been finalised well in advance.
Pakistan star Sufyan Khan shares a special message for the hockey loving nation ahead of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 starting in the Netherlands!
With hard work and solid preparations under their belt, Team Green is ready to give it their all! #PTVSports#SufyanKhan… pic.twitter.com/gPc8OIw6wH
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) August 10, 2026
PHF president highlights transparency
PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani reaffirmed that player welfare remains the federation’s foremost priority. He emphasised that all financial and administrative matters had been handled transparently prior to the team’s departure.
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“All necessary financial and administrative matters have been settled transparently before departure so that the team can represent the country and nation on the global stage without any hesitation,” Wani said.
Read Also: Pakistan, India Placed in Same Group for FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026
Pakistan will now focus on fine-tuning their preparations for the World Cup, where they will face some of the world’s best hockey nations. The tournament presents an opportunity for the Green-shirts to make their mark and rekindle Pakistan’s proud hockey legacy on the international stage.
