Hockey World Cup: Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman wins magic skill award

A goal that saw Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman weave through four defenders has earned him the men’s Magic Skill Award at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.

Fans gave Rehman 44% of the votes for his effort during Pakistan’s 3-3 draw with Wales. His display of three-dimensional skills helped him beat Canada’s Canton Melville, who finished with 39% in the closely fought poll. Three players were shortlisted for the men’s award.

Rehman’s goal came after he moved past four Welsh defenders before completing the attack with a superb finish. India also claimed the women’s award, with goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam receiving 52% of the vote. Her winning moment was a reflex save in the final minute of India’s match against England.

The individual recognition came after Pakistan finished 11th in the tournament, securing their highest World Cup placing since 2006. Pakistan’s campaign began with a 4-1 loss to England on August 15. They drew 3-3 with Wales two days later before losing 5-3 to India on August 19, which ruled them out of the knockout stage.

The Green Shirts then entered the classification matches and edged Japan 4-3 on August 22. Their next game ended in a 4-2 defeat to New Zealand on August 24.

Pakistan’s final match was the 11th-place play-off against South Africa. After the game finished 4-4 in normal time, Pakistan won the penalty shootout 4-3. Ammad Butt scored the decisive penalty.

The 11th-place finish marked Pakistan’s best World Cup result since their sixth-place finish in 2006. They were 12th in both 2010 and 2018 and missed the 2014 and 2023 editions.