History of Sohail Abbas
🗓 Born: June 9, 1975
📍 From: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Playing Position: Defender (Full-back)
Sohail Abbas is a former professional field hockey player from Pakistan, celebrated as one of the greatest players of all time. Known for his exceptional drag-flicks, he holds the record for the highest number of goals in international field hockey, with a staggering 348 goals.
Career Highlights
Domestic Career:
– Started with Habib Bank in Karachi, leading his team to the National Championship final in 2001.
– Played briefly for SSGC before joining WAPDA, where he won the National Hockey Championship in 2003 and 2004 as captain.
– Returned to WAPDA in 2009, topping the scorer’s list in the National Hockey Championship with 16 goals and winning the Hockey Asian Champions Club Cup in 2010. Continued playing domestically until 2017, retiring at 40.
International Stints:
– Amsterdam HBC (Netherlands): Joined in 1999, played the 1999–2000 season, and helped his team reach the semifinals.
– BS Nasional HC (Malaysia):
– Joined in 2002, won the TNB Cup.
– Harvestehuder THC (Germany): Played in 2003, showcasing his skills in the top division of the 1.Bundesliga.
– Hyderabad Sultans (India):
Star attraction in the inaugural Indian Premier Hockey League in 2005, winning the title.
– Rotterdam HC (Netherlands):
– Joined in 2005, became the top scorer, helped the team win promotion, and performed remarkably in the Euro Hockey League.
Humanitarian Efforts:
During the 2005-06 season, Sohail Abbas initiated a fundraising mission for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Pakistan. With the support of his club, Rotterdam HC, and the city council, he organized friendly matches to raise funds, involving international players from Australia, Germany, and India.
Sohail Abbas’s Impact:
Playing in the Netherlands introduced Sohail to diverse playing styles and techniques, enhancing his game. His journey not only brought glory to Pakistan but also showcased his commitment to humanitarian causes.
Join us in celebrating the incredible career and legacy of Sohail Abbas, a true legend in the world of field hockey! 🏑🌍
