Daily Times

Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) Associate Secretary Ayaz Mahmood said on Tuesday that Pakistan’s participation in the FIH’s Pro Hockey League would only be possible if the national federation gets the required funds from the federal government. Addressing a crowded press conference at the National Hockey Stadium here yesterday, Ayaz said the present set up of the federation had been functioning for the last three and a half year. “During this period, the PHF received a total government grant of Rs.54 crore and 20 lac — Rs.32 crore from the federal government, Rs.22 crore from the Sind Government and Rs.20 lac from the Punjab Government,” he added. Accompanied by Danish Kaleem, coach of the national team, Ayaz, who only took the office early this month, faced a barrage of stinging questions. The breakup of the expenditure was later presented to the media persons. “Presently, we only have Rs1.75 crore in the kitty. For our first Pro League assignment in Argentina, almost Rs.3 crore is required. For the entire Pro League, Rs.10-12 crore is needed. Even in past, when Pakistan won all the meaningful titles, World Cup (four times), Olympics (thrice) and Asian Games (eight times) the national federation was dependent upon the government grant,” he said.

Ayaz agreed that the government’s reluctance could be due to the damaged credibility because of the misdoings of the past federations. Kaleem emphasised that Pakistan’s participation in the FIH Pro League was important for a number of reasons. “Mere participation will give Pakistan a large number of FIH ranking points. Canada (10th) and Ireland (11th) in the FIH rankings are not part of the Pro League. Our presence in the Pro League will enable Pakistan (12th) to easily go past these countries in the FIH rankings which will increase our chances to qualify for the 2020 Olympics.

Moreover, the experience of playing 16 matches against world’s top teams will be a wonderful exposure for our young team,” he maintained.

Ayaz said in case of non-participation, the FIH could impose a ban on Pakistan’s participation in the international events apart from inflicting a fine. “In all probability, hockey is the sole hope for Pakistan’s presence at the 2020 Olympics through qualification. Otherwise, it won’t be different from the 2016 Olympics, when not a single sports person could qualify from world’s fifth largest country. The seven Pakistani entrants only came through quota spots/wild card.”

When asked about reinvigorating the domestic hockey scene, the associate secretary replied: “Pakistan Hockey Super League, which will be a privately sponsored event, scheduled in March, promises a lot. I am optimistic about its success. That should lead to more corporate interest in Pakistan hockey; lessening our dependence on the government funds.” He appealed to the media to fully support the PHF’s request to the federal government for the monetary grant to ensure Pakistan’s participation in the FIH Pro League for the survival of our national game,” he concluded.

Published in Daily Times, January 16^th 2019.