Former Pakistan hockey captain Shahbaz Ahmad Senior has termed the invitation extended to him by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for the 2026 Hockey World Cup as a great honour not only for himself but also for Pakistan, saying the recognition reflects the country’s glorious legacy in world hockey.
The FIH recently invited Shahbaz Ahmed Senior to attend the 2026 Hockey World Cup, to be held from August 15 to 30 in Belgium and the Netherlands, in recognition of his outstanding services to the game and his status as one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
Speaking to APP on Thursday, Shahbaz said he was delighted to receive the invitation and thanked the FIH for honouring him as one of the game’s legends.
“It is a great honour for me and for Pakistan. I am grateful to the FIH for inviting me to attend the Hockey World Cup 2026 as an FIH Legend. I will proudly attend the event,” he said. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in hockey history, Shahbaz earned worldwide acclaim for his dazzling dribbling skills, explosive acceleration and unmatched ball control, earning him the nicknames “The Man with Electric Heels” and the “Maradona of Hockey.” He captained Pakistan to its last Hockey World Cup triumph in Sydney in 1994.
“I always played hockey with complete dedication for Pakistan and had the privilege of leading the team to the World Cup title in 1994. Those memories will always remain close to my heart,” he said.
The former skipper described Pakistan’s qualification for the 2026 Hockey World Cup as an encouraging development for the revival of national hockey.
“Pakistan’s qualification for the World Cup is a very good sign. It shows that our hockey is progressing in the right direction. I hope the players make the most of this opportunity and give their best in this mega event,” he said.
Shahbaz also urged the national team to also focus on the upcoming Asian Games, saying success there would pave the way for Olympic qualification.
“Our players will also compete in the Asian Games and they must strive to qualify for the Olympic Games. Representing Pakistan at the Olympics should be one of their biggest goals,” he added.
Calling on the nation to unite behind the team, Shahbaz said, “I request the people of Pakistan to pray for the Green Shirts and continue supporting them. The players need the backing of the entire nation.” Pakistan remains the most successful nation in the history of the Men’s Hockey World Cup, having won the title four times: 1971 (Barcelona), 1978 (Buenos Aires), 1982 (Mumbai) and 1994 (Sydney). The country has also won three Olympic gold medals in field hockey, at the 1960 Rome, 1968 Mexico City and 1984 Los Angeles Games.