Ammad Butt, captain of the Pakistani hockey team, has pleaded with the government to encourage hockey throughout the nation, just as cricket is.

Butt made these comments on Wednesday in Ipoh, Malaysia, following Pakistan's qualification for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 final.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation lacks financial stability, and hockey matches are not shown on television. Even if the players don't have work, they continue to play for Pakistan because they love the country. Like cricket, I implore the Pakistani government to sponsor hockey," Butt said.

Pakistan is experiencing a historic moment as they haven't made it to the final since 2011. Because of my team's diligence and good sportsmanship, I am really proud.

"I am grateful for the chance to work with Roelant Oltmans as my coach and for being the captain of Pakistan." 

Pakistan leads the standings with 10 points after their first four games and has yet to lose in the competition.

Pakistan won their third match of the competition on Wednesday, defeating Canada 5–4.

Within the first 17 minutes, Canada had grabbed a 2-0 lead, which placed Pakistan on the defensive. But the green shirts rallied magnificently to win the game 5–4.

Pakistan's Abu Bakr Mahmood scored the first two goals of the match to tie the score.

Arshad Liaqat, Rana Waheed Ashraf and Ghazanfar Ali all chalked up one goal each for Pakistan.

For Canada, Sean Davis scored two goals, while Harbir Sindhu and Avjot Buttar each scored one.

Tomorrow, May 10, Pakistan plays New Zealand in the last pool match at the same location.

Conversely, Japan secured their spot in the championship match by defeating Malaysia 2-1.

On Saturday, May 11, Pakistan and Japan will compete in the final.