Pakistan launches Schools Hockey League

The initiative aims to develop a pathway for young players to progress into national teams

Pakistan has launched a nationwide Schools Hockey League in a bid to discover young talent and rebuild the country's standing in international hockey.

The league was inaugurated at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium in Islamabad with an exhibition match between Islamabad Model College for Girls, Tarlai, and Islamabad Model College for Girls, G-6/1-4.

Tarlai claimed a 2-0 victory in the opening fixture, watched by a large crowd of students.

Mohyuddin Wani, president of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, officially launched the initiative alongside Dr Ehtesham Anwar, chief coordinator to the PHF president. Pakistan's Dutch head coach, Herman Kruis, was also present.

Wani said the league was being launched simultaneously in Islamabad, all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, offering equal opportunities to boys and girls.

He announced that 100 boys and 100 girls showing exceptional performances would be selected for specialised training camps.

Players from the top three boys' and girls' teams will also receive scholarships for one year, while the overall winning team will be rewarded with an overseas tour to gain international playing experience.

The initiative aims to develop a pathway for young players to progress into Pakistan's national teams while promoting fitness, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Pakistan have won four Hockey World Cups and three Olympic gold medals but have struggled to maintain their position among the world's leading teams.

Organisers hope the league will reconnect a new generation with the sport and create a wider talent pool capable of restoring Pakistan's former glory.