Pakistan expands grassroots hockey

Equipment reaches 450 schools, with 1,250 targeted nationwide

Pakistan’s grassroots hockey development programme has provided equipment to 450 schools across the country, aiming to encourage young boys and girls to take up the sport and develop their talent.

Each school has received 20 hockey sticks, along with specialised goalkeeping kits, as part of the initiative to strengthen the game at the school level.

Another 350 schools are expected to benefit over the next month, with weekly equipment distributions planned across different districts of Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The programme aims to reach 1,250 schools nationwide, creating opportunities for thousands of children to discover and develop their hockey skills.

The initiative is designed not only to improve access to equipment but also to build a stronger foundation for the future of Pakistan hockey by identifying young talent and promoting the sport at grassroots level.

The programme aims to introduce children to hockey at an early age, with the PHF planning to expand its school initiative to South Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan in subsequent phases.

As part of its development plans, the federation will also organise the Under-15 National Hockey Championship in January 2027.