19 August,2026 09:12 AM IST | New Delhi | Harpreet Kaur Lamba
Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas executes one of his dreaded drag-flicks during training at Lahore in 2004. Pic/AFP
[popcorn number="348" desc="No. of goals scored by Sohail Abbas in 311 games for Pakistan; only India's Dhyan Chand scored more for his country (570)" class="Default"]
As India and Pakistan face off at the Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands on August 19, one of Pakistan's greatest drag-flickers is quietly helping a new generation of Indian players master the skill that made him famous.
The Pool D clash at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen will be the neighbours' first World Cup meeting since 2010.
Interestingly, Pakistan hockey legend Sohail Abbas has long preferred staying away from the limelight. From 2016 to 2022, the three-time Olympian went completely off the radar, choosing "peace of mind" over constant chatter. Abbas scored an astonishing 348 goals in 311 international matches.
"It was a conscious choice," Abbas told mid-day from Karachi. "My definition of success is peace of mind. Each day as I retire to bed, I want to feel fulfilled and peaceful. I decided to stay away from the limelight and lead a simple life focused on family and work."
It took a special cause to bring Abbas back to social media.
"One day, I opened social media and saw messages from some kids in India. It was amazing to see them share videos of trying to practise drag-flicking in their small, rural houses - some even barefoot! They reached out to me out of love and asked for tips," he recalled.
Abbas gradually began sharing advice and feedback. "Sometimes, I even do video calls, showing them how to improve technique, hold the stick properly and put more power into their shots. It's been a humbling and satiating experience. I don't look at boundaries, I see this as a way to earn some duas [prayers]," he said.
The former Pakistan captain prefers to keep his mentoring discreet. "I have not spoken about this before. I do not want to gain anything out of it but the simple joy of giving back."
For Abbas, India-Pakistan matches remain pressure games. "With Allah's grace, I always did well in pressure matches," he said.
India also holds fond memories for Abbas. It was in Amritsar during the 2003-04 India-Pakistan series that he scored his 268th international goal, surpassing Dutch legend Paul Litjens. "I have fond memories of playing in India. I share warm friendships with Dhanraj Pillay, Len Aiyappa, Dilip Tirkey and Arjun Halappa," he concluded.
Asian Games: Gold (2010), Bronze (1998)
Commonwealth Games: Bronze (2002)
Asia Cup: Silver (1999, 2003, 2009)
Champions Trophy: Silver (1998), Bronze (2002, 2003, 2004)
