Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman Wins Magic Skill Award at FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan forward Abdul Rehman has won the men’s Magic Skill Award after impressing fans with a spectacular goal at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
Rehman received the award for his outstanding 3D skills during Pakistan’s pool match against Wales. The forward beat four defenders with a series of skillful dribbles before completing the move with a composed finish.
His goal proved highly popular among fans, collecting 44% of the total votes in the men’s category. Kenton Melville finished second with 39% for his own impressive goal.
Fans Select the Best Skills
Fans around the world were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite moments from the World Cup between September 4 and 13.
A total of six moments were shortlisted for the award, with three nominations coming from the men’s competition and three from the women’s tournament.
The Poligras Magic Skill Award, presented by FIH Global Supplier Polytan, celebrates exceptional individual skills, creativity and innovative plays produced during international hockey competition.
India’s Bichu Devi Wins Women’s Award
India goalkeeper Bichu Devi Karibam claimed the women’s Magic Skill Award after producing a remarkable reflex save in the closing moments of her team’s match against England.
Her save played an important role in India’s progress from the pool stage. India eventually finished fifth at the tournament, their best position at the Women’s World Cup in 52 years.
Bichu Devi secured 52% of the fan vote, finishing ahead of the other two nominees.
Pakistan Finishes 11th at World Cup
Rehman’s individual award came as Pakistan secured 11th place at the 2026 World Cup, marking their best finish at the competition in two decades.
Pakistan opened their Pool D campaign with a 4-1 defeat against England on August 15. Two days later, they drew 3-3 with Wales.
The Green Shirts then faced India in their final pool match on August 19 but suffered a 5-3 defeat, which ended their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Pakistan Wins Classification Match Against Japan
Pakistan moved into the classification round, where they secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Japan on August 22.
Their campaign then came to an end against New Zealand, who recorded a 4-2 win on August 24.
Pakistan subsequently played South Africa in the match for 11th place. The contest finished 4-4 after regulation time, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
Pakistan won the shootout 4-3, with Ammad Butt scoring the decisive penalty to secure 11th position.
Pakistan’s World Cup Record
The 11th-place finish was Pakistan’s best World Cup result since 2006, when the team finished sixth.
Pakistan had placed 12th in 2010 and 2018, while they did not qualify for the 2014 and 2023 editions.
The Magic Skill Award adds an individual highlight to Pakistan’s 2026 World Cup campaign, with Abdul Rehman’s goal standing out as one of the tournament’s most popular moments.
