Lahore ( The COW News Digital ) Emotions ran high in the Pakistan national hockey team dressing room after a thrilling and historic victory over France in the Nations Hockey Cup semifinal. The dramatic win came after a tense penalty shootout, securing Pakistan’s place in the tournament final and sparking widespread celebrations both on and off the field.
The standout moment came when star player Abdul Hannan Shahid broke down in tears as he embraced teammates in the dressing room, overwhelmed by the intensity and significance of the victory. The emotional video quickly went viral on social media, with fans across the country praising the team’s resilience and dedication.
Abdul Hannan Shahid, one of the heroes of the match, was seen crying and hugging his fellow players after the win. The heartfelt moment resonated with supporters, many of whom expressed their pride and joy on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
“This is more than a win — it’s a moment of revival for Pakistan hockey,” one user wrote, as the clip gained hundreds of thousands of views within hours.
The semifinal match against France ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time, forcing a decisive penalty shootout. Pakistan held its nerve and edged out France 3-2 in the shootout, thanks to stellar goalkeeping and precise shots under pressure.
The victory not only took Pakistan to the final of the Nations Hockey Cup but also served as a much-needed morale booster for the national sport, which has struggled for support and funding in recent years.
Speaking after the match, Abdul Hannan Shahid said, “We have trained tirelessly for this moment. It’s not just about reaching the final; it’s about proving that Pakistani hockey is still alive and thriving. I hope the entire nation is praying for us.”
His words struck a chord with fans and former players, many of whom called for increased support and investment in hockey — a sport that once brought global glory to Pakistan.
The triumph also reignited debate about the lack of funding for hockey compared to cricket. Social media users and sports journalists pointed out that while millions are spent on cricket leagues, hockey continues to suffer from neglect.
“Cricket gets crores, but hockey is forgotten — even after such a win,” read a trending post, reflecting the public’s frustration over the imbalance in sports budgeting.
Pakistan will now face a formidable opponent in the final, scheduled later this week. Fans, players, and officials alike are hopeful that this emotional and gritty performance will carry the team through to a well-deserved championship.
