We asked two esteemed guests to offer some complementary perspectives on the state of hockey in Pakistan and New Zealand. The first guest is Jude Menezes, currently Director of Hockey in Auckland, New Zealand. Jude started his hockey journey as a goalkeeper in Mumbai, India, representing the Indian national team in the Sydney Olympics and two World Cups before settling in New Zealand. There, his distinguished coaching career includes stints with the New Zealand women's national team and, most recently, head coach of the Japanese women’s team, whom he led to the Paris Games.
The second guest is Ijaz Chaudhry, a respected hockey analyst and journalist from Pakistan. Formerly media manager for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) until 2019, Ijaz is recognized for his deep analyses and extensive coverage of the state and affairs of hockey in his home country. With strong historical knowledge and first-hand experience in hockey administration, he is well-equipped to speak on both Pakistan's challenges and its potential.
Exploring the State of Pakistani Hockey and FIH Pro League Participation
Jaspreet Singh began by inviting Ijaz Chaudhry to reflect on the troubled history and current crisis facing Pakistani hockey, particularly regarding its turbulent attempts to join the FIH Pro League. Ijaz provided an in-depth background, noting that Pakistan's inclusion in the inaugural Pro League was due largely to his lobbying efforts and the country’s historical significance in hockey, despite its then-low 13th ranking. However, with a legacy of political interference and a lack of transparent leadership, Pakistan failed to secure the necessary funds even after arrangements, including the innovative decision to host their "home" matches in Glasgow (Scotland) due to security issues, were made.
Ijaz lamented, “They knew how important it was. But just… about two weeks before the first match they told the FIH that [due to] financial concern they won't participate in it. It was very embarrassing for me as well.”
The situation today is similar: with New Zealand’s withdrawal from the Pro League, Pakistan has received another invitation, but once again faces a financial crisis and administrative uncertainty. As of the recording, the deadline for confirming participation had been extended, but government commitment and actual funding remained unclear, highlighting the persistent instability in Pakistan’s hockey governance.
The Rumor of Rescue from Cricket: Is Pakistan Cricket Board Stepping In?
Jaspreet pressed further about reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might intervene financially to help the hockey team participate in the Pro League. Ijaz was clear in his response: “This is just hearsay. No official statement even from the PHF that they have approached the Pakistan Cricket Board. Not even from the cricket board. It is just maybe one or two former stalwarts…most people, including myself, we want Pakistan…to be participating in this Pro League. But this is just…hearsay and just a little bit in media also.”
Thus, while there’s popular hope for a cricket-financed bailout, there is no substantiated evidence or official movement, underlining the lack of proactive solutions within Pakistani sports administration.
Unresolved Leadership Issues: PHF President and Secretary Under Fire
Jaspreet asked about the recent statements from PHF President Tariq Bugti and Secretary Rana Mujahid, who have publicly stated that they are not stepping down despite unresolved issues—particularly the unpaid dues of players from various tournaments.
Ijaz was blunt in his criticism: “They are shameless…that is the correct word for them. They are trying to fool people.” He exposed further misinformation, such as false claims of improved world rankings, and highlighted that the actual structure of the federation enables them to claim government and political backing, insulating themselves from accountability. “They know we have some political backing from the government quarters. So that’s why they say we’re not going anywhere.”
Among these leadership and governance failures, he also noted the decline in domestic hockey infrastructure, with most clubs and active centers in major cities having all but disappeared, choking the grassroots pipeline.
Turning the Lens to New Zealand: Why Withdraw from the Pro League?
Turning to Jude Menezes, Ernst asked about New Zealand’s decision to withdraw from the FIH Pro League for both men and women—a move that opened the door for Pakistan’s re-entry.
Jude cited simple logistics and fairness as primary causes: “I think it comes down to financial. It is quite expensive traveling anywhere from New Zealand. So that played a big part in it.” He added, “To be fair to the rest of the hockey players in New Zealand…spending that much of the budget is almost unfair for the rest… So it doesn't align with what we're trying to do.”
Jude emphasized the challenge of balancing high-level international competition with the needs of maintaining a healthy domestic ecosystem.
Domestic Hockey in New Zealand: Growth and Challenges
Ernst followed up by querying how New Zealand sustains domestic hockey interest and growth, given fewer international opportunities.
Jude responded optimistically: “Domestically we've got quite a big number of people playing hockey in New Zealand based on the population size. So over 80,000 people playing hockey in New Zealand, around 15,000 in Auckland itself.” He pointed to a strong network of internal championships, demonstrating New Zealand’s capability to remain competitive—evidenced by both men’s and women’s teams recently winning the Nations Cup.
Retaining Young Players Amid Competing Sports
The conversation then shifted to the broader sporting landscape in New Zealand, with Ernst highlighting the intense competition hockey faces from sports like rugby and cricket.
Jude acknowledged the difficulty: “It's only a small population. Many, many sports vying for, you know, prime time. But hockey, we've managed to stay afloat.” He admitted that football has recently gained more popularity, especially after hosting the Women's World Cup, but stated, “Hockey is still quite popular. So after rugby and cricket…hockey is sort of around the top five, I would say, in the country.”
With reference to global hockey demographics, Ernst asked Jude about male versus female participation in New Zealand hockey.
Jude replied: “Fairly even. It's a very huge female population playing hockey in New Zealand across all age groups. Right from school up, going all the way up to Masters hockey. So it's very, very well represented both across men and women in New Zealand.”
Embracing Japanese Culture as a Foreign Coach
Jaspreet asked Jude about his experience leading the Japanese women's national team and how he navigated the country’s unique sporting culture.
Jude emphasized the value of cultural respect: “It's really important to know the culture of the team that you're representing. And Japan…The culture of respect and those kind of things. It's quite aligned to India, Pakistan…you have to embrace the culture if you want to get some success.” He also admitted that the language was a barrier but said, “Just trying to participate and be involved in whatever the rest of the group does goes a long way in supporting what you're trying to achieve.”
Reviving Hockey in Pakistan: Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
Taking a strategic turn, Ernst challenged Ijaz to lay out what Pakistan needs to recover its domestic and international hockey stature, especially in a sustainable way.
Ijaz was clear: “The right persons at the top, that is the main requirement.” He criticized the political appointment system, suggesting instead that a more merit-based, perhaps parliament-backed, selection process is essential for effective leadership. Ijaz also argued for a shift toward a franchise-based league, modeled after cricket’s PSL or India’s IPL, to reignite public and private investment while providing players and fans with modern incentives.
He praised the privately managed Dar Hockey Academy in Lahore as “perhaps a unique thing in the world,” highlighting its self-reliance, strong sponsorship, and tangible results in producing national players.
However, he reiterated, “They have to have some good professional people at the top…then this league in place. So it will bring people’s interest as in PSL, some money for the players and…people develop affiliation for regional teams.”
What Must Change for Asian Hockey to Regain Its Glory?
In a broad question, Ernst invited Jude to reflect on the path forward for not just Pakistan, but all of Asian hockey.
Jude stressed the need for more top Asian teams: “Like growing up, I watched a lot of India-Pakistan matches…that works as an aspiration piece for a younger player. At the moment, except for India, none of the other Asian teams are in the top 10. So that makes it a little bit difficult for young players to aspire.”
His central message was that, in addition to improving individual countries, more regional rivalries and strong Asian sides are needed to fuel aspiration and competition.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup and Continental Championships
As the episode neared its end, Ernst asked Jude about his thoughts on the upcoming European Championships and the Asia Cup, which will determine new World Cup qualifiers.
Jude expressed excitement for both tournaments, noting, “For me, I find the Euros are the toughest competition, so I get very excited watching it…Spain’s really been very impressive and it’s a team to watch. So, yeah, it’s hard to say who's going to win it because…any of these top four European teams can win this competition on the day.”
On Asia, Jude expected India to dominate the men’s side and China to be favorites among the women, with Japan and Korea also strong nations.
Ernst noted China’s surge in women’s hockey since engaging top-level foreign coaches and asked Jude if the same could happen with the newly-hired Michel van den Heuvel for the Chinese men’s team.
Jude suggested real advancement was likely but would take time: “The Chinese men's team is quite good…with Michel taking over…we know how good a taskmaster Michel is… China's provincial hockey is very strong, so they do have the funds.” He forecasted, “In an Olympic cycle, you would see China really pushing forward. Not 2028, but 2032—I think they will be a strong contender.”
Persistent challenges and glimmers of hope
This episode of Studio Hockey offered a rich cross-continental discussion on the persistent challenges and the glimmers of hope facing Asian and Oceanian hockey. From Pakistan's ongoing funding and governance saga to New Zealand’s measured sacrifice in favor of broader domestic health, and from the promise of grassroots academies to the dramatic cultural shifts required of modern coaches, the conversation dug deep into field hockey’s structural, cultural, and strategic DNA.
We hope you enjoyed this special episode of Studio Hockey, where every conversation is another step toward understanding and promoting the global game. Don’t forget to subscribe, and join Ernst Baart and Jaspreet Singh in future episodes for more insights on international and domestic field hockey.
Share this post