Pakistan Players Rewarded With a Mere '8300 INR' After Winning Bronze at Asian Champions Trophy 2024

After claiming a bronze medal in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 tournament in China, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) rewarded the men’s team for their efforts in securing the second runner-up position.

While it is understandable that the team were rewarded for their efforts, the amount of prize money that was awarded would come as a surprise. The Pakistan senior men’s hockey team were rewarded just 8300 INR (100 USD or 28,000 PKR) after claiming the third position in the tournament.

The PHF President, Mir Tariq Bugti made the announcement, confirming the cash prize for the team.

Pakistan secured third place in the tournament after defeating Korea 5-2 in the bronze-medal match, following a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to hosts China in the semifinals.

Arch-rivals India went on to win the title for the record fifth time after beating China in a closely contested thriller on Tuesday.

The PHF, in its press release, stated that the cash award was intended to “acknowledge and encourage” the team’s performance during the tournament.

Another important announcement that was made included that Abu Bakr Mahmood who was injured during the tournament would be given full support and rehabilitation facilities.

In a touching gesture, the PHF dedicated the bronze medal to player Ghazanfar Ali, whose father passed away during the tournament. Despite the loss, Ghazanfar decided to continue playing in the event.

When Pakistan took on India in the headline event of the tournament, the Men in Green put in a fighting performance against the title holders but succumbed to a 2-1 defeat during the league stage of the tournament.

In the final standings, Pakistan finished second behind the champions India having won and lost two games and one game tied during the five league stage games.

19-year-old Shahid Hannan finished as the third-highest scorer of the tournament with a total of six goals scored which included five field goals and one penalty corner.

Barring the champions, Pakistan also had the second-most prolific attack in the tournament, scoring a total of 18 goals, and the second-best defence conceding 11 goals as well.

(With PTI Inputs)