PHF announces structural overhaul to revive 'national game'

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced the formation of an Ad hoc Governance and Management Committee as a structural shift aimed at modernising administration and lifting the standards of hockey across the country.

In a significant move focused on technical excellence, legendary Olympians Hassan Sardar and former World Cup winning captain Islahuddin will co-chair the Professional Development Committee.

Their mandate includes overseeing national team selection, introducing specialised training protocols, and establishing rigorous benchmarks for coaches and players, according to the PHF.

The long-term management selection will be made by the Professional Advisory Committee, also co-chaired by Islahuddin and Sardar. Additional members of this committee will be appointed in consultation with the two former Olympians.

To ensure specialised oversight, the PHF has separated corporate governance, marketing and resource mobilisation from technical hockey operations, the federation said in a statement.

The newly appointed members of the Governance Committee include Capt Farrukh Atique for HR and Finance; Shakeel Shah, for Departmental Coordination and Outreach; Amir Ibrahim for Corporate and Marketing Support; Ghulam Ali Mallah, for School and College Sports Promotion; and Brig (retd) Akmal Aziz for Services and Institutional Coordination.

All members of the Governance Committee will serve on an honorary basis, contributing their expertise in a bid to revive and elevate Pakistan's hockey, the statement added.

"This is an interim roadmap to correct the direction. There is no shortcut for success, but clear direction and seriousness of effort will be visible," a PHF spokesperson said.