ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan hockey team will participate in the Hockey WorldCup to be hosted by India in Bhubaneswar, Odisha in November-December 2018.India last hosted the hockey World Cup in 2010.
Former champions Pakistan were the 13th team to qualify for theinternational hockey federation (FIH) event after favourable results at theEuroHockey Championships, with their seventh place finish at the HockeyWorld League semi-final in London proving good enough.
It is a welcome return to World Cup action for Pakistan, following theirfailure to qualify for the hockey World Cup 2014 in The Hague, Netherlands.They will be determined to make the most of their opportunity inBhubaneswar.
Given the hostile political climate prevailing in Jammu & Kashmir,Pakistan’s participation looked in jeopardy but the green shirts willreportedly play in the November 28-December 16 event.
Pakistan men have an enviable record in World Cup competition, havinglifted the trophy on a record four occasions as well as twice claiming thesilver medal.
Pakistan were victorious at the 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994 events, withtheir four titles being one more than three-time winners the Netherlandsand Australia.