During the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy match against India, Pakistan hockey team’s vice-captain and drag-flicker Abu Bakar sustained a knee injury and is now facing negligence from both the government and the hockey federation.
Abu Bakar, vice-captain of the Pakistan hockey team, suffered a severe knee injury during a league match against India in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. As a result, Pakistan’s team was deprived of a key player ahead of the semi-finals.
Sources reveal that despite being injured while on national duty, neither the government nor the federation has initiated treatment for Abu Bakar. The President of the Hockey Federation, Tariq Bugti, had promised, while in China, that Abu Bakar could get treatment from anywhere. Additionally, Rana Mashhood, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, assured treatment via video call. However, upon returning to Pakistan, no arrangements were made for Abu Bakar’s treatment. The federation cited a lack of funds and advised him to begin treatment at his own expense, with the promise of reimbursement once funds became available.
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According to sources, Abu Bakar wishes to undergo surgery abroad for proper rehabilitation and timely recovery. However, he lacks the financial resources for such a procedure and has no assurance of payment.
Sources further indicate that the delay in surgery could lead to complications, worsening Abu Bakar’s injury and increasing his concerns.
On the other hand, Pakistan Hockey Federation Secretary Rana Mujahid stated that Abu Bakar will be taken care of, and his check-up is already underway. If needed, they will send him abroad for treatment. He added that the federation’s president has written to the Prime Minister requesting funds for Abu Bakar’s treatment, and they hope for progress soon.
