Midfielder Zakariya Hayat: Bright future of Pakistan hockey, compared to legend Shahbaz Senior
Midfielder Zakariya Hayat: Bright future of Pakistan hockey, compared to legend Shahbaz Senior
By Nawaz Gohar ; Zakariya Hayat, Pakistan’s talented midfielder, has emerged as a cornerstone of the national senior team. Not only is he a permanent fixture in the national squad, but he is also being hailed as a key member of the team currently departing for Egypt to compete in the World Cup Qualifying round.
Playing in the midfield, Hayat acts as a vital bridge between the defense and the attack. With approximately 55 international caps to his name and one international goal, his presence on the field is defined by his remarkable speed, superior ball control, and an aggressive playing style.
Hayat has already represented Pakistan in the FIH Pro League, where he gained invaluable experience competing against world-class opposition. Additionally, he has been a consistent performer across various junior and senior-level international competitions.
Within sports circles, he is being touted as the rising star of Pakistan hockey. Some experts have even gone as far as comparing his flair and style of play to the legendary former captain, Shahbaz Ahmed Senior. Expectations are high that he will deliver a standout performance for the senior team during the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in Egypt.
