“We are not considering the option of playing at neutral venues, we want to organise our league and international events in the country,” said Mujahid. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
KARACHI:
The national game’s authorities are keen on the revival of international hockey in the country and are not willing to stage games at a neutral venue.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Secretary Rana Mujahid has revealed some of the plans for hosting international matches in the country.
“We are not considering the option of playing at neutral venues, we want to organise our league and international events in the country,” said Mujahid.
He added that the PHF wants to soften the image of the country.
“We want to stage a Gold Cup involving foreign teams; we have spoken to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in this regard.”
Mujahid added that the decision to bring on board some of the stalwarts of the game was taken to ensure a revival of the sport.
PHF officials convinced former Olympians like Islahuddin Siddiqui, Shehnaz Sheikh, Ayaz Mahmood, Qamar Ibrahim and Sameer Hussain to join the federation after the two camps were at loggerheads for a few years.
Splinter group undeterred on anti-PHF stance
Senior Olympians have lamented the nexus between the PHF and players who have accepted roles in the revised set-up.
A press conference was held on Saturday at the residence of former goal-keeper Qamar Zia in Karachi. Samiullah, M Saqlain, Kaleemullah, Zia and Jehangir Butt and Qamar Riaz addressed the gathering.
According to Qamar, the Olympians who have accepted roles with the federation have betrayed the game.
“The fact is that they wanted jobs,” said Zia. “They claimed that they were with us in this struggle for the last many years, but have backed out after the PHF gave them the lucrative offer.”
Zia alleged that the former players are collaborating with the PHF to get a big budget approved from the government.
“These players have joined hands with the federation for financial gains,” he concluded.
The PHF has asked the government to sanction a grant of Rs650 million annually for the national sport.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2014.
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