A grant of Rs 150 million has been approved for the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
In the fifth meeting of the Grant-in-Aid Committee chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb, a grant of Rs 150 million was approved for the Pakistan Hockey Federation on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The meeting reviewed short, medium and long-term projects for the promotion and revival of hockey in Punjab. On this occasion, it was decided that regular hockey competitions will be organized in schools and colleges across Punjab, while a talent hunt program will be launched at the school level to identify talented players.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the players will be provided with hockey kits, protective gear, shirts, shoes and monthly stipend. The services of international standard coaches and master trainers will be sought for the training of young players.
She said that as per the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a network of hockey academies will be established across the province. Steps are also being considered to upgrade the hockey infrastructure to world standards, including the installation of state-of-the-art turf and floodlights.
Marriyum Aurangzeb added that former Olympians and prominent players of the national hockey team will be entrusted with the responsibility of training the younger generation as grace mentors. The construction of international standard hockey stadiums in each divisional headquarters has also been reviewed.
The meeting also issued instructions to organize a special hockey league in girls colleges and reconstitute the women’s hockey team to promote women’s hockey. It was also decided to provide training opportunities abroad to the best players.
Furthermore, instructions were given to organize an annual “Punjab Hockey Super League” in collaboration with the Pakistan Hockey Federation, while emphasis was also placed on obtaining sponsorship from the corporate sector and creating an effective system of financial support under public-private partnership for the revival of hockey.
The senior provincial minister said that hockey is the national game of Pakistan and all available resources will be utilized to restore its lost position. She expressed her determination that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, hockey will again be given a prominent place at the national and international levels.
The meeting also approved a grant of Rs 70 million for organizing “Pakistan Idol Season-II” to promote culture and music.