Pakistan hockey team’s vice captain and star drag-flicker, Abubakar Mahmood, has found himself at the receiving end of government and hockey federation negligence following a serious injury sustained during national duty.
Abubakar suffered a knee injury while playing against India in the Asian Champions Trophy, and despite promises made by officials, he remains deprived of the necessary treatment.
Sources revealed that during the team’s stay in China, the president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), Tariq Bugti, assured Abubakar that his treatment would be arranged. Similarly, chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Program, Rana Mashhood, also gave assurances via video call that Abubakar would receive medical care.
However, upon his return to Pakistan, no arrangements were made, and the sources said that the PHF informed the player that there were no funds available for his treatment. The federation advised him to start his surgery and rehabilitation on his own, promising that the funds would be reimbursed when available, they added.
The cost of Abubakar's knee surgery is reportedly in hundreds of thousands, and the player is uncertain about whether he will receive a refund. The sources said that the situation is further complicated by the risk that delaying surgery could worsen his injury.
Initially, both the government and the PHF had suggested that Abubakar undergo surgery abroad, but this plan was abandoned due to the lack of funds. Despite the mounting challenges, Abubakar remains hopeful for surgery and rehabilitation abroad, but the delay in his treatment raises concerns over his recovery and future in the sport.
