Hannan Shahid Shines, an Emerging Talent in the Asian Hockey Championship
Hockey in Pakistan often plays second fiddle to cricket, but a new talent is bringing the sport back into the spotlight. Hannan Shahid, a rising star in hockey, has recently impressed everyone with his outstanding performance at the Asian Hockey Championship. His achievements are not only personal victories but also a beacon of hope for the future of hockey in Pakistan.
A Rapid Ascent in the Hockey World
Hannan Shahid’s as an Emerging Talent in his upcoming journey in hockey began in 2021, and his rise has been nothing short of remarkable. From his debut, Shahid quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional skills and dedication. In just a few years, he has been recognized as the Emerging Player of Asia for two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. His leadership was also evident when he captained the junior national team in the Junior World Cup held in Johor Bahru. Additionally, his talent was showcased when he was named the best player in the Junior Asian Cup.
Addressing the Gap in Facilities and Support
Despite these accolades, Shahid is candid about the challenges facing Pakistan hockey. He notes that while the performance of the national team is almost on par with the best teams globally, there is a significant gap in terms of facilities and support. “Our facilities and support systems need substantial improvement to match the standards of top international teams,” Shahid explains. This disparity in resources can hinder the development and performance of players.
The Importance of Strong Sponsorship and Leadership
Shahid has expressed gratitude for the support he has received from sponsors like PTCL Group. However, he believes that more companies should invest in and support national sports. “Consistent backing from leading brands is vital for the growth of hockey in Pakistan,” he says. Shahid also emphasizes the need for stable leadership within the hockey federation. Frequent changes in management and coaching have created instability, which affects the team’s performance and development.
Youth Engagement in Sports
In addition to his professional achievements, being an Emerging Talent Shahid is passionate about encouraging young people to participate in sports. He stresses the importance of physical activity for children and advises schools to promote sports. “Schools should create opportunities for students to engage in sports and form teams,” Shahid suggests. By fostering a culture of sports from a young age, schools can help develop future talents and increase interest in hockey and other sports.
A Promising Future for Pakistan Hockey
Hannan Shahid’s accomplishments are a testament to his talent and potential. They also highlight the broader potential of Pakistani hockey. With better facilities, more consistent support, and stable management, the sport has the opportunity to thrive on the global stage. Shahid’s success is an inspiration to many and demonstrates that, with the right resources, hockey in Pakistan can achieve great things.
In summary, Hannan Shahid’s performance at the Asian Hockey Championship marks a significant moment for Pakistan hockey and declares him a real Emerging Talent. His achievements are not only a source of pride but also a call to action for improving support and infrastructure in the sport. As Shahid continues to excel, he brings hope and excitement for the future of hockey in Pakistan. His journey serves as a reminder that with dedication and the right support, hockey can flourish and make a significant impact internationally.
How can we use this Emerging Talent to promote our sports culture?
It’s the responsibility of PHF and all other related institutions, both public and private, to raise this Emerging Talent as a national hero to inspire the young sports chaps to participate in hockey.
We should emphasize our students, local and rural public administrations to take initiatives for promotion of Pakistan Hockey. As we are struggling in the different sectors of sports, we can take the advantage of Hannan Shahid’s this achievement to emphasize the young students and those who want to participate in the sports.
We need to spread his achievement in order to flourish the more friendly sports culture in Pakistan. Also consider him as an emerging national hero to make the role model for the youngsters to take part in the schools, colleges and universities in this regard. Public private partnership can also play a key role in the development of the Pakistan sports board. Our government needs to activate and engage our local sports boards to spread the sports to grass root level and specially in remote areas. We can explore the talent more in the regards to follow this way.