FIH President Tayyab Ikram announces plans for Pakistan hockey revival

LAHORE: President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Tayyab Ikram, has announced the launch of 'Project Pakistan' to support the revival of hockey in the country.

Tayyab Ikram highlighted that a similar initiative, 'Project India,' was successfully implemented a few years ago, significantly elevating India's hockey status.

He emphasized that 'Project Pakistan' will commence within the next few months, aimed at restoring Pakistan's lost glory in the sport. A similar project will also be initiated for Africa.

Ikram stressed the importance of high performance and professionalism alongside excellent talent. He noted that the primary challenge Pakistan faces is a lack of financial resources, necessitating a robust financial model and 100% commitment from the government. He pointed out that while 12 countries competed in the Paris Olympics, 8-10 more countries could have participated if they had adequate financial models and government commitment.

Tayyab Ikram reiterated that this initiative is crucial not just for Pakistan, but for Asian and world hockey. The FIH has previously supported Pakistan technically and will continue to do so, ensuring equal opportunities for all. He stated that the Pakistani government must also play its role in this revival effort.

Ikram spoke about the trust world hockey has placed in him, describing it as a great honor. His focus will be on empowerment and engagement, especially involving smaller nations to help them emerge on the global stage. Reflecting on the Paris Olympics, where hockey matches saw record viewership, he mentioned the formation of a task force to improve hockey's presentation.

Addressing the Hockey Five format, Ikram noted that it aims to bridge the gap between member countries. He highlighted how the event held in January featured smaller nations playing alongside major hockey countries, with Oman winning a bronze medal. This increased confidence among all participating teams, motivating them to strive harder.

Ikram also discussed the advancement of technology in hockey, stating that the sport is ahead of many other federations in this regard. He compared it with cricket, acknowledging the technical challenges in such comparisons due to hockey's multi-directional movements. He emphasized the ongoing work to incorporate AI technology in ensuring fair play.