Pakistan’s hockey team heads into the FIH World Cup with an eye on a different prize. Head coach Bob Johan Veldhof, speaking alongside his assistants on Wednesday, made clear that the Asian Games, not the global tournament starting in less than ten days, is the primary objective. The admission comes as the four-time world champions prepare to face England, Wales, and India in Pool D. Main Developments Veldhof, hired by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) last month along with other coaching staff, did not mince words about the team’s readiness. “Frankly speaking, the World Cup is not our [main] target; in one month’s training we cannot do wonders in the global event,” he told Dawn. The Dutchman emphasized that the squad’s focus is squarely on this year’s Asian Games, to be hosted by Japan in September-October. Pakistan, led by captain Abu Bakr Mahmood, depart for the Netherlands on Aug 9. Their tournament opener is against England on Aug 15 at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, followed by Wales on Aug 17 at the same venue, and arch-rivals India on Aug 19. The 16-nation event is co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from Aug 15 to 30. Read also: Pakistan's Oval Triumph Breaks Eight-Match Away Drought Veldhof will be supported by assistant coaches Christopher Bowen and Adnan Zakir. The coaching staff acknowledged the team’s recent struggles but pointed to a glimmer of progress. “Pakistan faced 26 consecutive defeats in international contests. However, we won our last three matches against South Korea which means there is some improvement,” Veldhof said, adding that a two-year plan is in place. Background Pakistan’s hockey legacy is storied, with four World Cup titles to their name, but recent years have been marked by decline. The team conceded a staggering 79 goals in 16 matches of the 2025-26 FIH Pro League, highlighting a troubling defensive frailty. Veldhof acknowledged the issue, calling it an “obvious weakness” and a “work in progress” that cannot be fixed overnight. The coaching staff’s appointment last month signals a fresh direction, but they inherit a squad that has struggled to compete at the highest level. Veldhof, along with Bowen and Adnan, stressed that building a strong team requires time and proper planning—a reality they say the short World Cup preparation window cannot accommodate. Assistant coach Bowen highlighted the importance of grassroots development. “Club hockey and school hockey are crucial to enhance the pool of players,” he said. The PHF, according to Veldhof, is planning a mega school hockey programme that will provide equipment to thousands of schools across Pakistan, a step he called “needed to lift hockey.” Why It Matters The stakes are high for Pakistan hockey, a sport that once dominated the world stage but has fallen behind. Veldhof’s comments reflect a pragmatic shift in priorities—treating the World Cup as a learning opportunity rather than a make-or-break event. The Asian Games, however, carries its own weight, with qualification for other major tournaments potentially at stake. The coaches also addressed the need to modernize the game, lamenting that Pakistan failed to evolve after the 1990s. “Had Pakistan modernised the game on time, it would not have been left behind other teams,” they said, adding that the country no longer produces heroes like it once did. This candid assessment underscores the depth of the rebuilding challenge. Bowen offered a hint of optimism, claiming that at least two players in the World Cup squad “can surprise opponent teams and Pakistan fans as well.” He declined to name them, but said they have the potential to become future heroes. The coaching staff also pointed to a recent comeback victory against South Korea—trailing 1-2 before winning 4-3—as evidence that the team is absorbing modern tactics. What's Next Pakistan’s immediate focus is the World Cup, where they will face a tough group. The Asian Games in Japan later this year is the stated priority, and the coaching staff’s two-year plan aims to lift Pakistan into the world’s top eight. Veldhof stressed that consistency in policies is essential for progress, a call for sustained support from the PHF and stakeholders. As the team departs for the Netherlands, all eyes will be on the performances against England, Wales, and India. The coaches have set modest expectations, but the underlying message is clear: this is the beginning of a longer journey. Whether the Asian Games delivers the desired result remains to be seen, but the groundwork, they insist, is being laid.