Former Olympians urge Pakistan to join pro hockey league

Karachi: Former hockey Olympians Tauqeer Dar and Khawaja Junaid have emphasized the critical need for the Pakistan hockey team to participate in the Pro Hockey League. They believe this opportunity is essential for the team’s revival and development.

Tauqeer Dar, a former Olympian, highlighted the significance of the Pro Hockey League, comparing it to the importance of the Champions Trophy and World Cup for a cricket team.

“Our hockey team is not currently in the World Cup or the Olympics,” he said. “The opportunity we’ve received after New Zealand’s withdrawal is a huge one.”

Dar criticized the lack of domestic and international activity for Pakistan hockey, stating that participating in the Pro League would be a significant achievement for the players, as it would allow them to compete against top-tier teams throughout the year.

He also pointed out the consequences of withdrawing from the Pro League years ago, a decision that he believes allowed India to flourish and win two Olympic bronze medals. “The people who made that decision are criminals, and no action was taken against them,” he added. Dar urged for the new opportunity to be seized and called on Mohsin Naqvi to support hockey and provide the necessary funds for the team’s participation.

Echoing similar sentiments, Olympian Khawaja Junaid stated that the team must take advantage of this chance to play against top teams, something they haven’t done in a long time.

“We are fortunate that New Zealand withdrew and we got this opportunity,” he said. “Participating in the league will improve our players’ training and skills, but it requires a large budget and support from external sources.”