PHF to provide 100 mini synthetic turfs in schools, colleges

Federation has already completed the first phase for implementing this project, says Director Development and Domestic


Nabil Tahir July 28, 2016
Hockey players train at the Gaddafi field hockey stadium in Lahore, Pakistan on July 11, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS

LAHORE: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) announced that it will lay down 100 mini synthetic turfs in schools and colleges across Pakistan as part of a development programme to strengthen the country’s national game.

PHF Director Development and Domestic Naveed Alam said that the federation has already completed the first phase for implementing this project.

“We began the first phase before Ramazan, which has been completed now,” he said. “We had asked the provincial associations to inform all government and private schools about this project, and send the list of schools which have space and are willing to contribute in this project.”

PHF officials declines FIH invitation for 2016 Rio Olympics

PHF will now begin a survey on the collected data, and narrow down the number of schools and colleges which will be getting mini synthetic turfs.

“The list will be further shortened to 100 on the basis of space as well as whether it is public school or a private one,” said Alam. “However, higher preference will be given to government schools,” he added.

Nevertheless, the former Olympian said that private schools which show willingness and has space within their premises will also be provided with the turf.

Army boot camp for hockey players to kick start on Monday

The federation believes that this is the beginning of a five-year plan to rejuvenate hockey in Pakistan.

“This whole project is for five years, which includes 500 mini synthetic turfs across the country as well as five-a-side tournaments between the schools and colleges,” said Alam. “Many incentives will also be provided to players participating in these tournaments, including scholarships,” he added.

Apart from this, PHF will also be launching Pakistan’s first-ever hockey tournament, Pakistan Hockey League (PHL), within next two months in order to revive the sport.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ