PHF executive board to meet next week

International events, new FIH rules likely to be discussed.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) executive board will meet next week to discuss a number of pressing issues, announced the governing body on Thursday.

The PHF has not revealed the meeting’s agenda; however, an official close to the top management said plans for holding international events and new International Hockey Federation (FIH) rules were among the subjects to be discussed. “There may also be a discussion on new team management besides updates on the planned Pakistan-India bilateral hockey series,” said the official.



The PHF is planning to hold two international events this year and has recently sought permission from the FIH. It includes a league event under the banner of the Pakistan Hockey League and Prime Minister Gold Invitational Hockey Cup.

“The change in hockey rules and the proposed international events are likely to be the top agendas.”

While most of the federations have decided on the plans to cope with the new FIH rules, the PHF is yet to discuss on when to incorporate the changes in its domestic circuit.

The FIH introduced major alterations to the sport by reducing the 70-minute game to 60 minutes, comprising four 15-minute quarters instead of two 35-minute halves. The changes in the international calendar will come into effect from September 1, 2014.

This September’s Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea will be played under the new rules where Pakistan will defend their gold medal.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2014.

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