A Conversation with Hannan Shahid on Hockey and Dedication
Humma Rehman Qureshi:
Hockey, Pakistan’s national sport, holds a legacy that has inspired
generations. In a candid interview with Hannan, the young captain of
Pakistan’s junior hockey team and a member of the senior team, we
explored his journey in hockey, his family’s rich history with the
sport, and his hopes for the future. Here’s what he had to share:
SPARK: Can you start by
telling us a bit about yourself? How did you get into hockey, and what
inspired you to pursue this sport?
Hannan Shahid: Hockey runs
in my blood — it’s a family tradition. My grandfather, Afzal Manna,
won a silver medal in the 1964 Olympics, and 11 members of my family
have played for Pakistan’s national hockey team. Watching them excel
inspired me to pick up a hockey stick at a young age. SPARK: How did
your journey progress to becoming a captain?
Hannan: It started
casually, but playing for my school team at Crescent Model School in
Lahore made me take it seriously. I captained the Lahore C-Division
team for two years and, in 2019, represented Punjab in the Junior
Championship. Being declared the best player in that championship gave
me the confidence to believe I could serve Pakistan at a higher level.
Afterwards, I was selected for the Junior World Cup in India and
served as the captain of Pakistan's junior hockey team from 2022 to
2024. By the end of 2022, I earned a spot in Pakistan’s senior hockey
team and am now a permanent member.
SPARK: Hockey in Pakistan
has faced significant challenges. What’s your take on this, and how do
you see the sport evolving?
Hannan: Hockey has
struggled due to poor systems and limited resources. Until 2022, there
was little government support, but Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s
intervention resolved many issues in the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
The appointment of Haider Hussain as president and support from the
Punjab Government has brought improvements. However, challenges
remain. Hockey is expensive, with costly equipment and many young
players lacking financial resources. The abolition of departmental
sports in 2019 was a major setback, as these jobs provided economic
stability for players. Thankfully, it has been restored. To move
forward, we need long-term plans, better coaching systems, and
consistent financial support from the government. We need structured
plans for international tournaments, training camps, and coaching
staff salaries. The government must allocate an annual budget
specifically for hockey and manage funds directly to ensure
transparency and efficiency. SPARK: Can you share some memorable
moments from your career?
Hannan: One of my proudest
moments was during the semifinal of the Asia Cup against Japan. I
scored two goals, and we won 4-2. Being declared the player of the
match was an honour, especially since it helped us qualify for the
World Cup. Moments like these remind me why I love this game.
SPARK: What are your plans
for the team, and how do you aim to address its challenges?
Hannan: Individually,
Pakistani players are incredibly talented, but as a team, we lack
structure due to limited training opportunities. I plan to push for
more national camps to improve teamwork and strategy. In 2025, our
primary goal is to win the Asia Cup, which serves as the qualifier for
the 2026 World Cup. Beyond that, we dream of qualifying for the 2028
Olympics, and we’re working hard to make that a reality.
SPARK: How do you balance
education, personal life, and hockey?
Hannan: My schools,
Crescent Model School and later Government College University Lahore
were very supportive, which helped me manage both academics and
hockey. I continued my education even while representing Pakistan’s
junior team. Institutions can play a significant role by offering
scholarships and training facilities. Parents should encourage their
children to pursue sports, as it helps them stay focused and healthy.
SPARK: What’s your message
to young players and emerging talent?
Hannan: Work as hard as you
can and focus on your goals. Analyse your progress, identify areas to
improve, and never give up. Hard work and determination can overcome
any obstacle. Stay committed, and don’t let hurdles distract you from
your dreams. Once you’re passionate about achieving something,
everything else becomes secondary.
SPARK: Thank you, Hannan,
for your time and inspiring words. We wish you and the team the best
of luck in the future.
Hannan: Thank you so much!
Let me know if you need anything else.
The interviewer, Humma Rehman Qureshi, is a researcher and student
at the National Defence University (NDU), pursuing a degree in
International Relations. With a keen interest in writing, Humma
explores diverse themes such as human rights, gender studies, and
global politics.