Do you know one of the earliest hockey trophies, when the World Hockey Tournament came to be in 1971, was designed by a Pakistani designer?
The designer was Bashir Moojid and the trophy is still used in every annual edition of the Hockey tournament. It has silver cup with an intricate floral design, surmounted by a globe of the world in silver and gold, placed on a high blade base inlaid with ivory.
At its peak is a model hockey stick and ball. Without its base, the trophy stands 120.85 mm high. Including the base, the trophy stands 650 mm. It weighs 11,560 g.
This trophy was a gift from Pakistan – a country who celebrates hockey as its national sport, and the historical handing-over moment was preserved in the hands of the then Head of Mission of Pakistan to the European Communities – Ambassador Mohammad Masood.
He served as Pakistan’s Head of Mission to the European Communities from 1970 to 1973, and his role in formalizing diplomatic engagement and pioneering cultural diplomacy during a formative period of Pakistan relations with Europe cannot be overstated.
𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔
𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒐𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒅
(1970–1973)
Ambassador Mohammad Masood served as Pakistan’s Head of Mission to the European Communities during a formative period in Pakistan–Europe relations. On 26 November 1970, he presented… pic.twitter.com/sqiMO1Tv8l— Pakistan Embassy Belgium (@PakinBrussels) April 29, 2026
Ambassador Masood presented his credentials to Franco Maria Malfatti, President of the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) on 26 November, 1970.
This event marked a key milestone in establishing structured diplomatic relations between Pakistan and European institutions during the early years of the European Economic Community (EEC).
His tenure focused on building a partnership centered on trade and economic cooperation. During this phase, Pakistan aimed to strengthen commercial links and secure economic support as the EEC expanded its external relations.
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A signature achievement of Masood’s tenure was his focus on sports as a tool for cultural diplomacy. On March 27, 1971, in Brussels, he presented this iconic trophy to Rene Frank, President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
The gesture highlighted Pakistan’s historical dominance in field hockey and fostered lasting goodwill with European nations. This year as Belgium is set to co-host the 16th Hockey World Cup from 15-30 August, it is worth remembering how the footprint of Pakistan’s outreach to the European country was cemented.
The legacy of Ambassador Masood’s cultural, sports, and economic diplomacy continues to have a lasting impact on present day Pakistan-Europe relations.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
