“The meeting was also attended by President Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Tariq Hussain and other PHF officials,” said the military’s media affairs wing in a statement.

During the interaction, the COAS commended the team for their outstanding performance (in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024), stating, "The hockey team has brought immense pride to the nation, and we are committed to providing them with comprehensive support to ensure their continued success." He extended his best wishes to the players for their future endeavors.

The hockey team players are being honured after they reached the 2024 Azlan Shah Hockey Cup final for the first time since 2011 following a series of stellar performances though Japan defeated Pakistan in a penalty shootout after a tense 2-2 draw in a dramatic conclusion to the tournament last Saturday.

Six teams participated in the event, including the tournament Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and Canada. Pakistan won the Azlan Shah Cup title three times in the past and was the second runners-up in the last edition which was also held in Malaysia two years ago.

Prior to facing Japan the second time in the tournament, Pakistan played against New Zealand on Friday in a match that ended in a tie.

“Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for,” the Pakistan Hockey Federation exclaimed in a social media post prior to the match. “The FINAL showdown of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is here, and our beloved Green Shirts are ready to take on Japan ... Let’s rally behind our team with all our support and cheers as they aim for glory on the field!”

The PHF president expressed gratitude to the COAS for the opportunity to meet and interact with the team, it concluded.