Daily Times

LAHORE: Former hockey Olympians of different era tabled useful suggestions for the introduction of a uniform hockey manual from grassroots level to the prime level for the revival of the national game at a seminar held under the banner of Pakistan Hockey Federation here on Tuesday. PHF secretary general Shahbaz Ahmad Senior presided over the seminar, which focused on getting input from former ‘greats of the game’ to evolve a uniform coaching manual to be adopted at all levels in the country. In addition, the one-year performance of the present setup of the PHF and its efforts for revival of hockey were also reviewed. The PHF secretary also presented Federation’ Vision 2020 programme for the revival and development of the game. Around 20 former celebrated hockey internationals of Pakistan participated, mostly Olympic gold medallists or World Cup winners, including six former captains briefly spoke on various aspects and factors responsible for the decline for the game for over a decade.

The seminar began with the presentation of the PHF’s Vision 2020 programme which outlined the national federation’s plans such a revival at the grassroots, improving the profile of the game, marketing of hockey, among others. The PHF’s efforts during its one-year tenure were also mentioned which included holding of domestic tournaments such as the national championships for seniors, under-18 and women, introducing innovative formats through the 5-A Side and 9-A Side tournaments, international participation in events like Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Sultan of Johor Cup, Junior Asia Cup, under-21’s tours of Germany, Netherlands and Spain, revival of international hockey in Pakistan (visit of Oman’s under-18 team).

However, the main event of the seminar was the brain-storming session in which not only the hockey stalwarts but also the workers at grassroots level gave their canded opinions regarding the system of coaching, to be introduced at all levels in conformity with the modern requirements while also incorporating the traditional sub-continental skills. It was decided to form a committee which would not only recommend a coaching syllabus but also suggest physical fitness model.

That would hopefully help Pakistan hockey to get players from the lowest level, well versed with the modern hockey right from an early age. “We will be holding such seminars and get together in other cities in due course of time to get feedback from those Olympians and hockey players who could not attend the seminar,” said the PHF secretary. He said the PHF would also welcome useful suggestions from those who are associated with coaching of hockey at grassroots level regarding preparing a coaching manual. “We will be forming a committee in due course of time which will be given the task to prepare the coaching manual,” he said.