Muneeb ur Rehman, a Bahawalpur-born Pakistani goalkeeper in hockey, is currently known for saving three penalty shootouts against France in the FIH Nations’ Cup 2025. Muneeb ur Rehman’s interview disclosed his early inspiration, legends like Mansoor Ahmad and Salman Akbar, and their performances inspired him to dream of becoming a goalkeeper himself. Seeing them guard Pakistan’s goal with such passion and courage made him realize that hockey was not just a sport. It was an honor to represent the country. That inspiration is what pushed him to step into hockey as a career.
Why does Muneeb ur Rehman have the jersey number 56?
In Muneeb ur Rehman’s interview, he revealed his craze about cricket and especially Babar Azam.
He further said:
“I’m a big fan of Babar Azam and would definitely like to meet him. That’s why I’ve chosen 56 as my jersey number, the same as his.”
Recently, the Green Team had the opportunity to conduct Muneeb ur Rehman’s interview to know about his interesting journey with the national sport of Pakistan. The interview is below:
Q: How did you start your journey?
A: I started my journey from school level, then college (Punjab College), and then university (UCP). Later, I was part of SSG and am currently with WAPDA.
Q: How did the team’s winning momentum help in winning the Semi Final?
A: Momentum plays a massive role in hockey. Once you start winning, the belief grows stronger within the squad. In the semifinal, the players trusted each other, carried the confidence from earlier victories, and that unity gave us the edge to step up in the crucial moments.
Q: What caused you to lose in the final of the Nations Cup?
A: Finals are always high-pressure games. Small mistakes can cost you dearly at that stage. We also don’t have the same facilities as other top teams when it comes to recovery, fitness, and sports science, which makes it harder to sustain performance across back-to-back games. In our case, it was a mix of missed opportunities and a lack of recovery support compared to others. But instead of taking it negatively, we look at it as a lesson to improve and prepare better for the future.
Q: What do you think about the importance of a hockey league in Pakistan?
A: A professional league is absolutely vital. It provides consistent competition, develops young talent, and gives players financial stability. Countries that have strong leagues are dominating world hockey today. For Pakistan, a league would revive the sport and bring our fans back to the stadiums.
Q: What strategies are in place for the Pro League?
A: The main focus is on discipline, fitness, and exposure. Competing against top teams regularly in the Pro League helps us identify gaps and build strategies to counter world-class opposition. It’s about consistency and improving match by match, rather than short-term fixes.
Also see: Pakistan vs India: Two High-Octane Clashes Confirmed as Pakistan Qualifies for FIH Hockey Pro League
Q: Can participating in the Pro League be a reason for Pakistan’s gradual comeback in hockey?
A: Definitely. The Pro League gives Pakistan the platform to test itself against the best. Regular exposure to high-intensity matches is the only way to bridge the gap with top nations. If we stay committed, the Pro League can play a big role in Pakistan’s comeback story.
Q: Where do you see the future of Pakistan in hockey?
A: The future is promising if we invest in the grassroots and provide proper facilities. Our country has raw talent in abundance. With the right guidance, structure, and opportunities, Pakistan can rise again and reclaim its place among the world’s top teams.
Q: What facilities should be provided to youngsters to promote hockey in Pakistan?
A: We need quality turf grounds, modern coaching, proper equipment, and fitness programs from an early age. Most importantly, young players should feel that hockey can be a professional career. Support systems like academies, scholarships, and exposure tours will make a huge difference.
Q: As a teammate, was it difficult to back the players after losing?
A: Losing is part of the game, but backing teammates is non-negotiable. After a loss, the team needs unity more than ever. As seniors, we always tried to lift the players, remind them of their strengths, and encourage them to learn from the defeat. That’s how you build resilience and bounce back stronger.
Conducting Muneeb ur Rehman’s interview was a great honor for the Green Team. The team, wholeheartedly, would like to thank him for sparing time and wishes him all the best for his future endeavours.
