ISLAMABAD: Pakistan鈥檚 national hockey team advanced to the FIH Men鈥檚 Nations Cup final in Malaysia after defeating France 3-2 in penalty shootouts, the International Hockey Federation said on Friday.

The FIH Men鈥檚 Nations Cup is being played in Kuala Lumpur from June 15 to 21 at the National Hockey Stadium that brought together eight top-ranked teams competing with each other.

鈥淧akistan edge France to make it to their first FIH Hockey Men鈥檚 Nations Cup final,鈥� International Hockey Federation said in a post on X.

鈥淓xcellent goals in the second half followed by amazing goalkeeping in the shootout,鈥� it continued, 鈥淭his is Pakistan鈥檚 first FIH final in more than a decade.鈥�

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised and congratulated the Pakistan hockey team on their victory, paying tribute to the players and team management.

鈥淭he national hockey team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament,鈥� he added. 鈥淭he team has made the nation proud and won our hearts.鈥�

Sharif said he would also pray for Pakistan鈥檚 victory in the final scheduled for June 21, expressing hope that the country will soon regain its lost glory in the field of hockey.

Pakistan will play the winner of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Korea.

Hockey is Pakistan鈥檚 national sport.

The national team boasts a proud legacy with three Olympic gold medals in 1960, 1968 and 1984 along with four World Cup titles in 1971, 1978, 1982 and 1994.

Hockey in Pakistan has faced a sharp decline in recent decades due to administrative challenges, underinvestment and inadequate infrastructure.

Renewed efforts are underway to revive the game with increased government support, youth development initiatives and greater international engagement aimed at restoring Pakistan鈥檚 former glory in the sport.