LAHORE: Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman has won the men’s Magic Skill Award at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after fans voted his goal against Wales as the best of the tournament.
Rehman produced an outstanding display of three-dimensional skills during Pakistan’s 3-3 draw with Wales. He beat four defenders before scoring with a superb finish.
His goal received 44 per cent of the fans’ votes to secure the award.
Canada’s Canton Melville finished second with 39 per cent of the votes. The two players were among three nominees in the men’s category.
India’s Bichu Devi wins women’s award
India’s goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam won the women’s Magic Skill Award.
She received 52 per cent of the fans’ votes for a spectacular reflex save in the final minute of India’s match against England.
Pakistan finishes 11th
Pakistan finished 11th at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after defeating South Africa in a penalty shootout.
The result gave Pakistan its best finish at the World Cup in 20 years.
The four-time champions opened their Pool D campaign with a 4-1 defeat against England on August 15. They then drew 3-3 with Wales two days later.
Pakistan faced arch-rivals India in their final pool match on August 19. The Green Shirts lost 5-3, ending their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Pakistan then entered the classification round and defeated Japan 4-3 on August 22.
Their progress was halted by New Zealand, who secured a 4-2 victory on August 24.
Pakistan then faced South Africa in the 11th-place play-off. The match ended 4-4 after regulation time.
Pakistan eventually won 4-3 in the penalty shootout. Ammad Butt converted the decisive penalty to secure 11th place.
The result marked Pakistan’s best World Cup finish since 2006, when they finished sixth.
Pakistan had finished 12th in the 2010 and 2018 editions. The team missed the 2014 and 2023 World Cups.
