Latest news with #AmmadButt
Mint
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Mint
‘Rafael down again' - Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Butt ridicules India after FIH Nations Cup semifinal win over France
Pakistan men's hockey team captain Ammad Butt embroiled himself into a controversy after he ridiculed India with a cryptic Instagram post following their victory over France in the FIH Nations Cup semifinal. Ranked 15th in the world, Pakistan edged past France in a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout win to book a place in the final. However, the Men in Green were humiliated by New Zealand in the final with the Black Sticks winning 6-2 at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. But what truly set the internet abuzz was the Instagram story of Butt. In the story, which had a black screen, Butt wrote 'Rafael down again' which many linked as a mockery towards India after in connection to the recent India-Pakistan military conflict. The 'Rafael' connection came from the French-made Rafael fighter jets which were used in the military response named as Operation Sindoor, in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attacks on April 22 that claimed 26 innocent lives in the picturesque southern Kashmir. Although the Instagram story was deleted shortly afterwards sensing backlash, it was too late by then as screenshots of the same went viral on social media.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Rafale down again': Pakistan men's hockey team captain Ammad Butt mocks India after beating France; post goes viral
Ammad Butt mocks India after beating France NEW DELHI: Pakistan men's hockey team made headlines after a gripping victory over France in the FIH Nations Cup semifinal, but it was captain Ammad Butt's Instagram post that truly ignited the internet. Following their 3-2 shootout win in Kuala Lumpur, Butt shared a controversial story reading 'Rafale down again' -- a remark many saw as a dig at India, alluding to recent mry tenss involving French-made Rafale jets. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Though the post was swiftly deleted, screenshots had already gone viral, stirring a wave of debate. Ammad Butt's Instagram story Many online users, especially from India and Pakistan, interpreted the comment as blending sports triumph with political and military history, further amplifying tensions between the two nations. On the field, the match was a thriller. France led 2-1 by the third quarter, but Pakistan mounted a spirited comeback. Waheed Ashraf equalised and then scored again, only for France to level in the dying seconds. The shootout saw Pakistan's goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman shine, saving three attempts, while Afraz, Hanan Shahid, and Waheed scored to secure the win. The green shirts now head to the final against New Zealand, aiming for their first major title in years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brass Krishna Idols For Prosperity & Protection In Life Luxeartisanship Shop Now Undo But Butt's provocative post shifted some focus away from their gritty performance to a heated social media discourse. Meanwhile, India's men's team continues to falter in the FIH Pro League. The making of Dhruv Jurel: Kargil war hero's son who chose cricket over the Army They suffered a 3-6 loss to Belgium, marking their seventh consecutive defeat. Despite flashes of promise -- goals from Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Amit Rohidas -- India's defensive lapses cost them dearly. Their World Cup qualification hopes now hang by a thread after a disappointing European campaign. With Pakistan climbing and India struggling, the emotional undertone in South Asian hockey has rarely felt more intense, both on and off the field. Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's hockey captain Ammad Butt trolls Rafale after win against France
Pakistan secured a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory over France in the Nations Hockey Cup semi-final on June 20, but it was captain Ammad Butt's post-match remark that set social media alight. Moments after the win, Butt shared an Instagram story reading 'Rafale down again' — a pointed jibe linking France's defeat to past military tensions between Pakistan and India, referencing Pakistan's claims of downing French-made Indian Rafale jets earlier this year. Social media users quickly picked up on the story, which has since been deleted, with many sharing their reactions online. Rafael har jga zaleel hora — 𝑺𝑲 ᝰ.ᐟ (@onlysohail_) June 20, 2025 Hahahah India ne apny Sath Sath France ki bhi beizzat karwadi — ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) June 20, 2025 Wrong spelling,it is raFAIL actually. — Uvais (@uvaissss_) June 21, 2025 On the pitch, it was a fiercely contested match in Kuala Lumpur. France struck first, scoring in the 10th minute and doubling their lead early in the third quarter to go 2-0 up. Pakistan responded with urgency. Rana Waheed Ashraf netted their opener three minutes later, followed by a successful penalty from Sufiyan Muqeem to level the score. Moments later, Waheed scored again to give Pakistan a 3-2 advantage. With just seconds left in regulation time, Charlotte Victor equalised for France, sending the match into a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Muneeb ur Rehman emerged as the hero, saving three French attempts. Pakistan's Afraz, Shahid Hanan, and Waheed converted their penalties to seal the win and book a spot in the final against New Zealand. The win keeps Pakistan's hopes alive for their first major international hockey title in years, with the final set to be held at the same venue on June 21.
