Lahore: Pakistan’s national sport may be struggling at home, but its echo still resounds in Europe. In the German city of Mönchengladbach, during the Euro Hockey Championship, a special Hall of Fame ceremony was held where German hockey icon Stefan Blocher was honored with the title “White Pakistani”—a tribute to his enduring love for Pakistan and his services as a true ambassador of the game.
Blocher, celebrated as the most stylish player of his era, was among the most charismatic stars of global hockey in the 1980s. His fond memories of cruising on a motorbike along Lahore’s historic Mall Road remain alive in the hearts of many Pakistanis.
Over the years, he frequently visited Pakistan, serving as a bridge between German and Pakistani hockey. After a 21-year gap, Blocher also succeeded in bringing the German Junior Hockey Team and a German club to Pakistan—a milestone in reviving international hockey ties.
From 1978 to 1992, Blocher represented Germany in 259 international matches, scoring 129 goals. His stellar career and outstanding role as an ambassador of hockey earned him a place in the Hall of Fame during the Euro Hockey Championship final.
