In a significant update for Pakistan hockey fans, national vice-captain Abu Bakar Mahmood underwent successful knee surgery on Thursday in Lahore, as confirmed by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF).
The seasoned defender had suffered a knee injury in a high-stakes match against India during the Asian Champions Trophy, an incident that forced him to the sidelines and raised serious concerns over his playing future.
Abu Bakar had been actively seeking assistance from both the Pakistan government and the PHF for timely medical intervention, but frustration grew as he claimed delays by the authorities exacerbated his condition.
While both PHF President Tariq Bugti and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Rana Mashood, had committed to facilitating his treatment, Abu Bakar alleged that these assurances initially went unfulfilled.
Despite the earlier complications, Thursday’s surgery brought a positive turn to the story.
According to a PHF press release, Abu Bakar expressed his gratitude to the federation for finally securing his treatment.
He is expected to go through a thorough rehabilitation process, set to take place in Australia, where he will work toward a full recovery with an eye on returning to international competition.
PHF, like for most of its history, is going through severe financial crises but Bugti has assured that PHF will always take care of its players.