Pakistan’s Ice Hockey Teams Make History in Florida

Pakistan’s men’s and women’s ice hockey teams have stunned the international stage at the Amerigol LATAM Cup 2025 in Coral Springs, Florida.

The men’s team won gold in Division III, defeating Peru in the final, while the women’s team, competing for the first time, secured a bronze in Division II.

Journey Against All Odds

• The men’s team was formed only last year, despite Pakistan having no standard ice rink.
• Founded by Adnan “Donny” Khan, a Karachi-born NHL veteran, the project brought together diaspora players from North America and the UK.
• Players trained briefly before tournaments, sharing equipment and costs. Many even paid their own way to represent Pakistan.

Voices from the Rink

• Co-captain Zaakir Khan called the win “a dream I never thought possible.”
• Forward Mahd Nasir said: “To play on a full Pakistani team, to look into the stands and see green flags waving — it was unforgettable.”
• The women’s team, assembled by Riley Khan and coached by Mariya Rauf of Yale University, overcame financial hurdles and a short roster of just 12 players to win bronze.
• Mariya said: “Wearing Pakistan’s colors isn’t only about hockey, it’s about creating opportunities for the girls who come after us.”

Bigger Picture

• Both teams played under the official endorsement of the Pakistan Winter Sports Federation, giving them the right to compete under the national flag.
• Crowds of Pakistani supporters in Florida filled the stands with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad.”
• The victories have inspired hopes of more teams in future divisions and long-term growth of winter sports in Pakistan.

What’s Next

• With promotion to Division II, the men’s team looks to expand its roster.
• The women’s squad aims to strengthen ahead of next year, with players hoping their success will inspire young Pakistani girls to step into sports.

For both teams, the journey began with one bold question: “Why not us?”
In Florida, they answered it in gold and bronze.

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