Women’s team
Equally inspiring was the performance of Pakistan’s women’s squad, which entered the tournament with a small roster of just 10—12 players but showcased grit and determination. Their effort was rewarded with a bronze medal in their very first international competition.
Head coach Kameron Sabir, an Edmonton-based physician who also coached the men’s side, praised the women’s resilience. “The women did such an amazing job. Tremendous performance for their first tournament. They had only 10-12 players, so hats off to them,” he added.
Bright future for ice hockey
Mariya Rauf, who both coached and represented the team while also playing NCAA Division I hockey for Yale University, highlighted the deeper meaning of the victory. “Cricket is our national sport, but after this, it shows ice hockey is growing every single day in Pakistan. There is talent, and we are just going to keep getting better.”
Holding a cricket bat gifted by her players, she emphasised how the women’s achievement would inspire young girls back home to take up the sport. Breaking barriers for Pakistan sport
Ashfaq has been storming the UAE media scene for over 27 years. As Senior Assistant Editor, his insights, analysis and deep understanding of regional dynamics have helped make sense of the unfolding news.
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