As anticipated, Pakistan couldn’t make it to the last-eight round at the 2026 Hockey World Cup (Aug 15-30) held in Wavre, Belgium and Amsterdam, Netherlands. In such dire times, the mind goes back to the days when the record four-time world champions ruled the sport.

The year was 1978, the fourth World Cup was to be held in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires. Pakistan had last won the World Cup in 1971 and the Olympics in 1968. Since then, Pakistan had finished fourth and second in the World Cups of 1973 and 1975, respectively, and second and third at the Olympics of 1972 and 1976. In those days, in fact since the 1948 Olympics when Pakistan debuted in international hockey, only the top of the podium was acceptable — even finishing second was considered a disaster.

Before the 1978 World Cup, Pakistan had played a four-Test series against India, with two matches in each country. The Green Shirts easily won the series 3-1. No sooner had the last Test in Lahore ended, a bombshell dropped. Pakistan’s legendary right-back Manzoorul Hassan’s arm was fractured towards the end of the match, and he was ruled out of the upcoming World Cup. Many then became doubtful about Pakistan’s chances.

Rana Ehsanullah came in as his replacement. His international experience was limited to a tour of East Africa with the young Pakistan team way back in 1974. As it happened, Ehsanullah played in all the matches at the World Cup in Argentina. In the final, he scored Pakistan’s winning goal in a 3-2 victory over Holland to become a legendary figure in his nation’s sports lore.

Now 74 and living a retired life in Lahore, Ehsanullah tells his story from the beginning.

One of Pakistan Hockey’s yesteryear heroes, Rana Ehsanullah, recalls how he was drafted into the team at the very last minute and ended up helping Pakistan win the 1978 World Cup

One of Pakistan Hockey’s yesteryear heroes, Rana Ehsanullah, recalls how he was drafted into the team at the very last minute and ended up helping Pakistan win the 1978 World Cup

“Born in Burewala, in district........

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