PHF representative laments The decline and lack of finance in Pakistani hockey

• Haider Hussain, secretary of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, bemoaned the lack of finance
• It has caused hockey’s decline in the nation and expressed concern that stadium closures may result if the scenario persists

Hussain claimed there were no money when he assumed the position on the Geo News show “Geo Pakistan.” If the federation does not receive Rs100 million from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, all hockey stadiums will close, he declared.

He continued, “If the Engro Group of the firms hadn’t supported us, we wouldn’t have participated in the Azlan Shah Cup. The issue is that if we didn’t participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, then we would be punished.”

When asked if he had spoken to the prime minister, Hussain replied that the federation had sent letters to him, but that no response had yet been received. In order to discuss our hockey-related future plans with him, we have also asked to meet, he continued.

Hussain claimed that while Pakistan hockey receives Rs3.5 million annually, neighbouring nations receive money in the millions.

Hussain claimed, “Our team did not fall from 10 to 18 in rankings by playing a [poor] game, it happened because we didn’t play the Hockey Pro League,” and that if the team does not travel to South Africa, it will drop to 21 in the standings.

The secretary stated that simply the cost of the tickets alone will cost between Rs7 million and Rs8 million for a journey lasting 10 to 12 days.

He went on to claim that the players receive a daily allowance of Rs 20,000, which the federation funded and gave them in dollars after receiving approval from PHF President Khalid Sajjad Khokar.

Hussain stated that they will take part in the South Africa tour at all costs. He said that an email distributing 17 tickets had been sent by the sports board, but we haven’t received one.

When asked how many players typically travel with a hockey team to another nation, Hussain responded that 18 players, plus two backups, go along with the team of eight officials, including a physiotherapist, videographer, manager, video analyst, and coaches.

The PHF secretary stated that the opening game is scheduled for November 28 and that the management is unsure as to whether the team would arrive on November 26 or 27 due to the waiting period for the visa.

“There, as in [other] institutions, are the same individuals. Irshad sahib is present, but he is not amusing us. He answered the phone when Saeed Khan called and asked, “How many people have my number?” as if he were the president of the United States “explained Hussain.

We could have applied for the visa sooner, he claimed, but the team was competing in the Azlan Shah Cup at the time. The federation had a lot of work to do, he said, including setting up the money; otherwise, they would have filed for the visa earlier.

However, he claimed that because hockey is Pakistan’s national sport, he has high expectations for it and a firm belief that it will be a popular product.

“It only takes a little while. I’ve assured the Pakistani government that if they will only allow us 1.5 years, we will become steady and become a major product.

According to Hussain, Lahore Qalandars of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) play a significant part in developing hockey. He declared that Geo and PHF would sign a memorandum of understanding.

When two well-known figures join forces, the team will attract many sponsors, he predicted.

Hussain continued by announcing that the federation would host a series between Karachi and Lahore teams in order to draw sizable crowds to the games.

He claimed that when they saw the PHF president, he advised them that the Federation needed to improve its structure, among other things. He continued, “He [the PHF president] is ready to assist the national game.”

According to Hussain, the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and the national sport would soon be on the same page. He claimed that they informed the NBP board that if the national team doesn’t go, Pakistan will be prohibited from competing in hockey competitions.

According to the official, the NBP board members were astonished to learn that and declared their support for PHF.

He said that there was a structure in place under General Ziaul Haq’s rule whereby Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), WAPDA, and Pakistan Air Force would all sponsor the national sport of squash.

“However, given that PIA itself requires support, it should at the very least offer tickets for free or at a discount, “added Hussain.

He advised the PIA to withhold funding from the PHF if they have even a remote question. When there is a possibility of a suspension, they can deal with the issues directly and involve the team’s participation in an international event.

He added that he would commend the Dutch national hockey team’s coach for remaining committed to the team despite going months without payment.

“The pain of the Pakistani squad not being left alone is felt by the Dutch coach. He only gets two to three hours of sleep since he is so focused. who for? Team Pakistan, “said Hussain.

Also Read

PSB reappoints Khalid Sajjad Khokhar as president of PHF

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) reappoints Brigadier General (Rtd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar...