PHF plans anti-corruption measures

National hockey body to hold awareness programmes for players.

KARACHI:

Amidst the ongoing corruption and spot-fixing scandals in the recently concluded Indian Premier League, the world’s hockey authorities have geared up to avoid the menace in the field game that is played globally and is one of the major Olympics sports.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) reportedly dispatched awareness modules to its member units that describe match-fixing and cite examples of various athletes who fell prey to the menace that cost them dearly.

In a letter to all the national federations, the FIH urged to ‘ensure that the fundamental character of hockey is protected’ and stressed the need for education ‘to understand the tactics and approaches of the fixers’.

‘PHF ready to hold anti-corruption lessons’

Although the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is yet to receive any communiqué from the global body, Secretary Asif Bajwa welcomed the idea of spreading awareness among players.

“Hockey has never faced corruption scandals,” Bajwa told The Express Tribune. “The game is clean but still it will be good to hold awareness programmes for players.

“After receiving the FIH advice we may hold anti-corruption seminars and lectures for all our national players. We will be happy to do that.”

Meanwhile, a former Olympian said the country’s hockey authorities should initiate the awareness programmes on their own without waiting for the FIH directive.

“It has become the need of the hour,” said the former player.  “Hockey may have not suffered from any corruption scandals as yet but now priorities might change with the initiation of various new leagues involving too much money.

“There is no harm in taking precautions as our players are regularly playing foreign league events. It will be an intelligent move on the PHF’s behalf if they take steps in this regard.” Over a dozen Pakistan players participated in the Malaysian league recently while several greenshirts are also contracted with the Hockey India League.

Colts lose to Dutch counterparts

Pakistan colts suffered a shaky start to their tour of Europe as they were outclassed by Holland 4-1 in the opening match of the two-match series.

The hosts had a remarkable first-half in which they scored three goals without conceding any.

The greenshirts gave a better performance in the final session but failed to avoid defeat. Mohammad Taufeeq, who struck on the penalty corner, was the scorer for Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2013.