PHF to make crucial decisions soon

Rs100 million grant to help hockey on all levels, says secretary.

KARACHI: Following the announcement of Rs100 million grant, the country’s hockey affairs look set to gain momentum with the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) pledging to take important decisions soon.

PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid held a press conference on Thursday, a day after Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif ordered immediate release of the grant.

Mujahid said the federation will make crucial announcements on the issues pertaining to the national team.



The imminent decisions include the announcement of the team management and plans about the greenshirts’ participation at the Azlan Shah Cup, which would be the team’s first assignment of the year.

The Olympian further said that participation in the Asian Games continues to face jeopardy due to the conflict between the parallel Pakistan Olympic Association bodies. The PHF is awaiting directives from the Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry for a green signal to take part in the continental games.

Five-man committee named

Mujahid also revealed the names of a five-member committee formed by Sharif to address issues related to the game on Wednesday.

The committee has been given the task to make recommendations for uplifting hockey at the grassroots level.

Punjab Sports Minister Rana Mashood, PHF President Akhtar Rasool, Director General Punjab Sports Board Usman Anwar, Olympian Tauqeer Dar and Mujahid are the part of the body.

“We are thankful to Sharif for the grant. Our priority will be to work at grassroots as well as the highest level.”

Mujahid also urged the chief ministers of the remaining provinces to come forward and announce grants for the national game. He added a sum of Rs650 million is required for PHF’s annual budget.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.