“We have to learn about the violence in Egypt so we’ve asked for details from the President of the Egypt Hockey Federation Saif Ahmed about the security situation there,” PHF General- Secretary Asif Bajwa told reporters. “An email has also been sent to the Pakistani ambassador in Egypt and the government of Pakistan for advice on our tour.”
Pakistan and Egypt’s federations had agreed to a reciprocal series last year, giving hopes for reviving international hockey in Pakistan. Pakistan was scheduled to tour Egypt in February.
“We have a very cordial relationship with the Egypt Hockey Federation and we were looking forward to touring according to the initial schedule. But the circumstances don’t look favourable and the security of our players is our foremost concern.”
Security forces in Egypt clashed violently with protesters at nationwide demonstrations against President Hosni Mubarak recently. The Express Tribune has learnt that if circumstances remain the same then a possible option for the PHF might be to swap the locations to ensure that the series goes on.
PHF allocated Rs500m
PHF President Qasim Zia conducted a meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Ali Gillani who allocated funds worth Rs500 million to the body. According to details, Rs120 million will be allocated to the PHF within a week’s time and the rest of the amount will be transferred gradually over the year that is intended for the promotion of the sport in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2011.
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