Pakistan Hockey Federation: Old hearts, new beat

New president Rasool vows to make ‘all out effort’ to lift national game .

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) transfer of power has been dubbed as a ‘retention’ of the same set-up that governed during the last term.        

On Monday, Olympian Akhtar Rasool formally took over as the PHF’s president while another Olympian Rana Mujahid claimed the post of Secretary General following elections at the 50th PHF Congress meeting in Islamabad.

Both were elected unopposed after no individual contested against them.

The former was the head coach and manager of the national team and resigned from the post after Pakistan’s failure to qualify for World Cup 2014. The latter was associated with the junior team in the same capacity and was later appointed as interim secretary following Asif Bajwa’s resignation in the aftermath of the disaster.

Rasool and Mujahid were a part of the previous regime of the PHF that was led by Qasim Zia (president) and Bajwa (secretary).

‘Grassroot, domestic hockey main target’ 

In an interview with The Express Tribune, Rasool expressed his resolve to work for the betterment of Pakistan’s hockey by firing on all cylinders.

“We have come with new spirits,” said the 59-year old former captain.

The Olympian said the new set-up will make a comprehensive plan and will make all-out efforts to lift the game in the country.

“Improvement in our domestic hockey is badly needed. This is the area which begs our main focus.”

“We will be holding 10 national tournaments annually that will help in unearthing new talent. I will also request the federal and provincial governments to retain the old sports quota (seven to 10%) in colleges. We need educated players, which has become a must nowadays.”

He added that bringing international hockey back to Pakistan will also be on the agenda of his federation.

“We have already invited over a dozen of countries to visit Pakistan. The government has ensured the best security for visiting teams and we are hopeful of good news soon.”

‘Past tenure as president wasn’t a failure’

It may be recalled that Rasool also served in the same capacity back in 1997. The tenure was far from satisfying as it was the first time that Pakistan failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy.

“The team had performed well also. I wasn’t given much time but now I have a complete tenure and I am confident of delivering for the country now.”

Rasool, who is associated with ruling party PML-N, negated the impression of political interference in his election.

He also invited the ‘protesting’ former Olympians to come on board and assist the new set-up.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2013.

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