Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has allocated a hefty amount of Rs.647.713 million for replacing six worn out synthetic hockey turfs across the country, besides installing one at a new venue by June 2020. The worn out turfs will be replaced at the Pakistan Sports Board Complex in Islamabad Faisalabad Hockey Stadium, POF Wah Hockey Stadium, Lala Ayub Hockey Stadium in Peshawar, Gen Musa Hockey Stadium in Quetta and Hockey Stadium Abottabad. The National Hockey Stadium, Sialkot Garrison, will be commissioned as a new venue where the seventh turf would be laid.

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) also plans to establish an academy at Sialkot Garrison. A decision in this regard was taken during a meeting that took place between the PHF president Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and the Minister for Planning Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal in the fedral capital. The Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) will dole out the funds to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) who will implement the projects. The government is serious for the revival of the national game at the grassroots level across the country. When installed, the facilities will help revive the game by initiating training programme, tapping the budding talent and engage youth in healthy activities. Besides, the project include installation of equalastic layer (E-Layer), rehabilitation of sub-base, repair of drains covers, repair-replacement of fences, water sprinkling system etc. Upon completion, these stadiums will be operated and maintained by the respective district and provincial governments from their own resources.

Published in Daily Times, December 7^th 2017.