Pakistan has made history at the Amerigol Latam Cup 2025, with the men’s national ice hockey team clinching gold in Division III. This achievement not only brought pride to the country but also highlighted Pakistan’s growing presence in a sport often dominated by traditional powerhouses.
The tournament was held in Coral Springs, Florida, where 62 teams and over 1,450 players from 17 nations competed. Supported by the NHL, the Latam Cup aims to expand ice hockey into non-traditional markets and Pakistan’s victory proved how far the sport has come in South Asia.
The Pakistan men’s ice hockey team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Their journey concluded with a stunning 6-1 victory over Peru in the final, securing the championship title.
This was a dramatic improvement from their 2024 debut, where the team managed just one win. The rapid progress amazed fans and officials alike.
Donny Khan, NHL’s senior director of hockey development, admitted he was surprised:
“I thought we’d be winning several years from now. I didn’t think we’d be doing this in year two.”
Pakistan’s women’s ice hockey team also created history by winning bronze in their very first international appearance. Despite competing with only 10–12 players, their determination led them to a remarkable podium finish in Division II.
Coach Kameron Sabir described the achievement as:
“An amazing day for the country and ice hockey.”
Mariya Rauf, who coached the team while also being a Division I player at Yale University, emphasized the growing passion for ice hockey in Pakistan:
“Cricket is our national sport, but after this, it shows hockey’s growing every single day. There’s talent, and we’re just going to keep getting better.”
Currently, Pakistan lacks internationally certified ice rinks, but the Latam Cup has shown the world the country’s potential. The NHL noted the importance of providing more facilities, training, and support from sports federations to further develop the sport.
Pakistan’s success in Florida is more than just a win it’s the start of a new era for ice hockey in the country. With passion, perseverance, and talent, Pakistan is ready to carve out its place on the global ice hockey stage.