Tariq Dar, a member of the Pakistan hockey team that won the last Olympic gold medal 40 years ago, has expressed his difficulty in accepting that the hockey team has missed the Olympics for the third consecutive time.
Speaking to Geo News, former Olympian Tariq Dar described his situation as both fortunate and unfortunate, given his family’s legacy of three Olympic gold medals.
He said that this current situation is extremely disappointing, and the team now views reaching the final of the Azlan Shah Cup as a significant achievement.
Tariq Dar noted that during his time, government institutions supported hockey, and the heads of these institutions ran the sport, which led to a golden era.
However, with the end of institutional support, hockey deteriorated to its current state.
He added that the current players deserve credit for keeping the sport and old memories alive.
He emphasized the need for support, including subsidies and job opportunities for players, as many parents are reluctant to invest in hockey equipment due to high costs.
Dar criticized the current administrative structure, mentioning that there are now multiple presidents and secretaries, and stressed the need for proper management by those who understand and are passionate about hockey.
He warned that if the system remains unchanged, it will be very difficult for the team to return to the Olympics, including the 2028 Games.