As the Indian and Pakistani hockey teams gear up for their much-anticipated clash in the Asian Champions Trophy on September 14, the focus shifts beyond the field to the financial struggles faced by the players. While Indian cricketers enjoy lucrative earnings and sponsorships, the hockey players, who have also brought pride to their country, have a vastly different financial reality. The situation is even more dire for Pakistani hockey players, as highlighted by former hockey player Akhtar Rasool.
No Salary for Indian Hockey Players: How Do They Earn?
Despite their remarkable performance in recent years, including winning two consecutive Olympic medals, Indian hockey players do not receive a fixed salary from Hockey India, unlike cricketers who are paid by the BCCI. The question arises: how do these players sustain themselves financially? The answer lies in government jobs.
Most Indian hockey players are employed in government sectors, and their primary source of income comes from these jobs. In addition to their salaries from government positions, they receive match-winning bonuses. In 2022, Hockey India announced a ₹50,000 reward for every match won, which has become a supplementary income for the players. Furthermore, the earnings from winning tournaments are distributed among the team members. For example, after winning the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics, Hockey India awarded each player ₹15 lakh as a token of appreciation.
Pakistani Hockey Players’ Financial Struggles Are Worse
While Indian hockey players’ earnings are lower than cricketers, the financial condition of Pakistani hockey players is even more troubling. Former Pakistani hockey star Akhtar Rasool, who won two World Cup gold medals, recently spoke to Geo News about the hardships faced by the players.
Rasool revealed that there is no fixed salary for Pakistani hockey players. The players receive a meager ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 when they participate in training camps, which hardly covers their daily expenses. Moreover, unlike their Indian counterparts, government jobs for Pakistani hockey players have been discontinued, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
Rasool further highlighted that some players struggle to pay basic bills like electricity. Even when Pakistani players travel abroad for matches, they are only allotted $150, and there are times when they do not receive this amount.
India vs. Pakistan: The Rivalry on the Field
Though the financial situations of the players vary, the rivalry between India and Pakistan remains fierce on the hockey field. Over the years, the two teams have faced off in 180 matches, with Pakistan leading the scorecard with 82 wins. India has won 66 matches, while 32 matches ended in a draw. However, in recent years, India has dominated, winning 16 out of the last 25 matches since 2013.
In the Asian Champions Trophy, the two teams have clashed 11 times, with India winning 7 matches, Pakistan winning 2, and 2 matches resulting in draws. India’s most recent victory over Pakistan came with a commanding 10-2 win.
Closing Thoughts on the Financial Gap
Despite the passionate rivalry between India and Pakistan on the hockey field, it is evident that hockey players in both countries face significant financial struggles compared to other sports. While India has made some progress in recognizing and rewarding its hockey players, there is still a long way to go. Meanwhile, Pakistani hockey players are in dire need of financial support to keep their sport alive and thriving. The upcoming India vs. Pakistan match in the Asian Champions Trophy is not just a battle of skills, but also a reminder of the financial inequalities that persist in the world of sports.
