Pakistan hockey captain Abu Bakar has expressed confidence that the national team can deliver a strong performance at the upcoming Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands.
Speaking to the media before the team’s departure, the newly appointed captain said he was not under pressure because of the responsibility of leading Pakistan. He emphasized that the squad was united and focused on achieving its targets in the tournament.
Abu Bakar revealed that the team had discussed its objectives with senior players, including Imad Butt, Hannan Shahid and Sufyan Khan. The players agreed that Pakistan’s first target would be to qualify for the top four before aiming for a place on the victory podium.
The captain also discussed Pakistan’s expected clash with arch-rivals India. He said the World Cup encounter would be different from the matches between the two sides in the FIH Pro League because of the greater pressure and importance attached to a World Cup fixture.
Although the players are familiar with one another from previous international competitions, Abu Bakar believes the World Cup setting will make the Pakistan-India contest considerably more challenging.
Despite the intense rivalry, the Pakistan captain said his team would make every effort to defeat India and secure an important victory.
Abu Bakar also praised the unity within the national squad and highlighted the role of senior players in supporting younger members of the team. He stressed that captaincy was not an individual responsibility and that success would depend on the collective efforts of all players.
Pakistan enters the World Cup with hopes of restoring its position among the world’s leading hockey nations. The team will face strong competition throughout the tournament, making consistency and preparation crucial to its campaign.
With the squad targeting a top-four finish and ultimately a place on the podium, Pakistan hockey fans will be hoping that Abu Bakar and his teammates can turn their confidence into strong performances on the field.
