Pakistan Misses Qualification for Paris Olympics

• Pakistan’s hockey team misses Paris Olympics, losing 3-2 to New Zealand.
• Third consecutive Olympic miss (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024).
• Out after 4-0 defeat to Germany in semis.

Pakistan men’s hockey team faced a 3-2 defeat against New Zealand in the third/fourth place match of the Olympic qualifiers in Muscat, Oman, thus failing to secure a spot in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite a valiant effort in a closely contested match, Pakistan’s three-time Olympic gold medallists were unable to overcome the New Zealand challenge. Abu Mahmood provided hope for Pakistan by scoring a goal via a penalty corner in the 18th minute, but New Zealand’s Scott Boyde quickly equalized in the 24th minute. The Men in Green regained the lead, maintaining it until the 52nd minute when Inglis Hugo scored for New Zealand. The Kiwis sealed their qualification with a third goal in the 58th minute, marking the third consecutive occasion on which Pakistan has failed to qualify for the Olympics.

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan managed to secure a crucial point with a 3-3 draw against Malaysia, which proved instrumental in reaching the semifinals. However, the journey came to an end with a 4-0 defeat against Germany in the semifinal clash. Great Britain had also defeated New Zealand by 3-1 in the other semifinal.

The road to qualification had seen Pakistan finishing second in Pool A, behind Great Britain, with four points. Despite a commendable victory against China (2-0), Pakistan’s earlier loss to Great Britain (6-1) in the pool matches proved to be a significant setback.

This marks the third consecutive occasion that Pakistan’s hockey team has missed out on Olympic qualification, having previously fallen short for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. As New Zealand, Great Britain, and Germany celebrate their qualification, Pakistan looks ahead to regrouping for future international competitions.

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