Samiullah sees slim hopes but backs spirited effort against England, India and WalesPhoto: PHFPakistan’s national hockey team on Sunday departed for the Netherlands to compete in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, returning to the global showpiece after missing the 2023 edition in India. The former Olympian believes the team’s preparations in Islamabad and the series against Korea provided valuable opportunities to identify weaknesses ahead of the World Cup. PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmed Wani said the advance payment was aimed at keeping the squad free from financial concerns so that it could concentrate fully on its World Cup campaign. Pakistan last featured in the World Cup in 2018, when they were eliminated in the group stage. Pakistan qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the qualifying tournament in Egypt and will now seek to make an impact on their return to the world stage.