Pakistani celebrities are expressing their shock at Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt’s revelation that he chose to skip the PSB luncheon in Islamabad, because he was offered a meagre amount of Rs 5600 to travel from Lahore.
According to Geo Super, this PSB luncheon was extended to six players of the national hockey team, as well as other prominent sports personalities like Olympic winner Arshad Nadeem and Commonwealth Games gold medal winner Nooh Dastagih Butt.
Actress Kinza Hashmi shared a news post on her Instagram stories while highlighting how shameful it was to see the way the country’s hockey team was being treated.
“Talent was never our problem, mismanagement is. Until we fix the system, we’ll keep failing the ones who bring us pride. Shame on how the hockey team has been treated.”
‘Qarz-e-Jaan’ actor Nameer Khan also shared a news post and expressed his disappointment in the caption, writing:
“Sad to see the way our hockey star players are being treated. Come on! They just won silver medal with minimal resources. Show some respect at least!”
Actor and television host Mani called this an example of the nation failing their sports stars.
The Pakistan hockey team had recently won the silver medal at the FIH Nations Cup, and only lost out to New Zealand in the finals held in Kuala Lumpur. Speaking to the media on June 24, Ammad Butt had called their recent win a ‘milestone’ which signalled how much potential the team had. “I hope the government and stakeholders would now take notice,” he said.
Butt had also expressed his sorrow at the lack of government figures present to welcome the team at their arrival back to Pakistan. The head coach Tahir Zaman said that issues like delays in daily allowances for teams had played a role in hindering the team’s focus on the game and thus cost them the victory.
“The players deserve consistent support and opportunities if we are to revive Pakistan hockey’s past glories,” Dawn reported.
