Hockey Captain Declines Luncheon Invite Due to Insufficient Travel Allowance

LAHORE: Ammad Shakeel Butt, the captain of the Pakistan hockey team, has turned down an invitation to a luncheon hosted by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), citing inadequate reimbursement for travel expenses.

The PSB had allocated Rs. 5,600 to Butt to cover his trip to Islamabad. However, the captain chose not to attend, indicating that the provided sum was not enough to meet the travel costs.

“The designated amount barely suffices for toll charges,” Ammad commented, as he excused himself from the invitation.

A total of six players from the national hockey team received invitations to the luncheon, including Sufyan Khan, Rana Waheed, Abdullah, Muneeb ur Rehman, and Hannan Shahid.

Athletes from diverse sports were also invited to the event. Prominent attendees included Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem and Commonwealth Games gold medalist weightlifter Nooh Dastgir Butt.

It is worth noting that New Zealand secured the FIH Nations Cup title after defeating Pakistan 6-2 in the final, which took place at the National Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

FIH Nations Cup Final Details

New Zealand commenced the match assertively, rapidly scoring twice, although both initial goals were initially dismissed. The first goal was officially scored in the sixth minute when Scott Cosslett successfully converted a penalty corner.

Sam Hiha increased the advantage with a precise field goal in the final moments of the first quarter. During the second quarter, New Zealand showed further aggression, with Dylan Thomas adding a third goal just two minutes into the quarter.

Shortly after, Sean Findlay executed a remarkable field goal, succeeded by Scott Boyde, who scored the fifth goal with less than four minutes remaining before halftime.

Pakistan responded in the third quarter, with Zikriya Hayat scoring their initial goal in the fifth minute. Despite securing five penalty corners during that quarter, Pakistan was unable to capitalize, maintaining the score at 5-1.

In the final quarter, both teams displayed a high level of intensity. New Zealand widened their advantage with another penalty corner conversion by Cosslett.

Pakistan achieved a second goal through Sufyan Khan, who successfully converted a penalty corner in the subsequent minute; however, it proved insufficient to ignite a comeback.

New Zealand finalized the match with a convincing 6-2 victory, claiming the FIH Nations Cup trophy and preventing Pakistan from achieving a favorable conclusion to their otherwise noteworthy campaign.