Pakistan’s hockey team clinched a nail-biting 3-2 shootout victory over France in the Nations Hockey Cup semi-final on June 20, keeping alive their quest for a long-awaited international title. But it wasn’t just the on-field drama that captured attention — captain Ammad Butt’s post-match social media post stirred reactions far beyond the pitch.
Shortly after the win in Kuala Lumpur, Butt shared an Instagram story that read: “Rafale down again” — a cheeky reference that linked France’s defeat to Pakistan’s earlier claims of shooting down Indian Rafale fighter jets, French-made aircraft symbolic in regional military rivalries. Though the post was swiftly deleted, it spread quickly across social media, drawing both amusement and criticism from users who debated the timing and tone of the remark.
On the field, the semi-final proved a rollercoaster. France struck first in the 10th minute and doubled their lead early in the third quarter, putting Pakistan under immense pressure. But the Green Shirts fought back with resilience: Rana Waheed Ashraf pulled one back within minutes, followed by a penalty conversion from Sufiyan Muqeem to draw level. Waheed added a second soon after, briefly giving Pakistan a 3-2 lead before France’s Charlotte Victor equalised in the dying seconds to force a shootout.
The hero of the decider was goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman, whose three crucial saves turned the tide in Pakistan’s favour. Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and Waheed kept their nerve to convert their penalties and secure a place in the final against New Zealand, set for June 21 at the same venue.
The victory marks a significant moment for Pakistan hockey as the team aims to lift its first major international trophy in years. While the match showcased grit and determination, it was Ammad Butt’s off-field comment that added an unexpected subplot to an already memorable evening.
