Pakistan’s national hockey team has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly during the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024, and a key figure in this revival is striker Rana Waheed. Hailing from Sargodha, Waheed’s journey is a testament to determination, hard work, and a family’s legacy of loving Pakistan hockey.
Waheed, the left striker, joined the national team in 2019. His passion for hockey is deeply rooted in his family, particularly his grandfather, a hockey enthusiast who wanted his son to play for Pakistan. While Waheed’s father couldn’t realize his father’s dream, he made sure to pass on his ambition to his son. With relentless support, Waheed’s father played a pivotal role in his son’s development as a professional hockey player, ensuring the family dream was finally fulfilled.
Waheed idolizes Pakistan’s hockey legend, Shehbaz Senior, and is proud to play in the same position as his hero. However, his journey to the national team wasn’t easy. Coming from Sargodha, a city without modern hockey facilities, Waheed faced many challenges that players in larger cities didn’t have to. “I wasn’t selected for a departmental team, which was a turning point for me,” Waheed recalls. “After that, I doubled down on my training, vowing to one day play for Pakistan’s national hockey team.”
His hard work eventually paid off, and being selected for the national team remains one of his most cherished moments. “My mentor was more excited than I was, and my father had tears of joy in his eyes,” he says. “It was the result of 12 years of hard work.” Another unforgettable moment for Waheed was when he scored a goal against India in the Asia Cup to draw the match. Throughout his career, he has been known for scoring critical goals in high-pressure situations, and his contributions have often turned the tide for Pakistan.
Waheed’s talent has been on full display in recent international tournaments. He was the top scorer in both the 2023 5S Asia Cup and the 2024 5S World Cup. He holds the distinction of scoring the most goals by a Pakistani striker during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Waheed believes the Pakistan hockey team is on the path to regaining its former glory. “The team is improving immensely, and we’re receiving much-needed support from the government, hockey federation, and various sponsors,” he says. He is also thankful for PTCL Group’s partnership during the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024.
Waheed passionately advocates for greater support for sports other than cricket in Pakistan. “If hockey and other games received even 10% of the support cricket gets, it would be a game-changer,” he says. “Pakistan has immense talent in sports like hockey and squash. With the right backing, we could bring home more Olympic medals.”
In his message to aspiring athletes, Waheed advises them to work hard, keep faith in Allah, and never lose hope. “With perseverance, success will eventually follow,” he assures.
As Pakistan marches forward in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024, Rana Waheed’s journey inspires not only his teammates but the entire nation, reminding everyone of the power of dedication, family support, and perseverance.
