Believe it or not, players and officials of the Pakistan hockey team, which secured a bronze medal at the Asian Champions Trophy, will receive a reward of USD 100 (approximately 28,000 PKR) each for their efforts. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) made this announcement on Wednesday, confirming the special cash prize sanctioned by PHF President Mir Tariq Bugti whereas Hockey India have announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh to every player, while Rs 1.5 lakh will be awarded to every support staff member.

Pakistan secured third place in the tournament after defeating Korea 5-2 in the bronze-medal match, following a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to hosts China in the semifinals. India went on to win the title for a record fifth time after defeating China on Tuesday.

The PHF, in its press release, stated that the cash award was intended to "acknowledge and encourage" the team's performance during the tournament.

The federation also announced that Abu Bakr Mahmood, who was injured during the event, would receive full support and rehabilitation facilities.

In a touching gesture, the PHF dedicated the bronze medal to player Ghazanfar Ali, whose father passed away during the tournament. Despite the loss, Ghazanfar decided to continue playing in the event.

India's Road To Victory
A goal by Jugraj Singh in the fourth quarter handed India a 1-0 victory over China in the Asian Champions Trophy final. Captain Harmanpreet Singh - India's top scorer with seven goals - was adjudged the 'Player of the Tournament'.

India have been faultless in the Asian Champions Trophy. The only Asian nation ranked in the top 10 of the FIH Outdoor Hockey World Rankings, India were the favourites heading into the tournament. However, the way they've dominated despite the increased expectations and pressure has been remarkable.

India slammed 21 goals during the group stages, including a grand 8-1 thumping of Malaysia and a win over arch-rivals Pakistan. They brushed aside Korea 4-1 in the semis, before winning the final over China as well.

After winning the inaugural ACT title in 2011, India have won it in 2016, 2018, 2023 and now in 2024. In fact, India have not reached the final in only two out of the eight ACT tournaments ever held.

Following on from their Olympics 2024 bronze medal success, 2024 has proven to be a great year for Indian men's hockey. After winning bronze at Paris Olympics 2024, every player in the India squad were rewarded Rs 15 lakh, while support staff members were given Rs 7.5 lakh by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.