Srinagar: Having already been knocked out of Olympics as the team failed to qualify, Pakistan Hockey team players are without salary for last six months according to captain Ammad Butt.
Pakistan lost 3-2 vs New Zealand in the last chance to qualify for th Paris Olympics 2024 fimishing fourth in Oman.
Later in his Instagram post, Ammad thanked fans for their support.
“Thanks everyone for supporting Pakistan hockey unfortunately we couldn’t qualify for the Olympics and this is heartbreaking for me and my team and my nation as well,” he wrote.
“I want to tell you one thing the boys have not been paid for the last six months. They played without facilities, without government support, without any sponsorship without any media coverage and no proper professional system,” he added.
“The boys are giving their blood and sweat, they played with their heart for Pakistan but the way we are treated it’s totally unfair. Hockey is our national game so please treat us like a national heroes,” he maintained.
Ammad concluded by requesting support since they are motivated to do well for the country in the future.
It is third consecutive time Pakistan have failed to qualify for the Olympics. They failed to secure their spot in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 too.