National sport not being treated like one

Hockey board uses own funds in the absence of government’s financial backing

KARACHI: The national hockey team, whose players are without their central contracts since the past 22 months, has yet to receive any support from the government to avert the financial crisis surrounding the national sport.

The former world champions are currently training at the Hockey Club of Pakistan in Karachi for the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to be played in Bhubaneswar, India from December 6 to December 14.

The team recently won a silver medal at the Asian Games, but have not received any appreciation from the government officials as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif cancelled a crucial meeting with the team twice.

However, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Rana Mujahid backed his players and assured them that they the government’s negligence should not be a cause of worry for them.

“Although the PHF is going through financial crisis, we respect our players and we won’t take any facilities back from them,” Mujahid told The Express Tribune. “If the government is not supporting them, then we will do it on our own.

“The team will now travel to Lahore by air, from where they will go to Amritsar through the Wagah Border and then will sojourn to Bhubaneswar by air.”

Talking about the preparations for the Champions Trophy, he added that a huge revenue was required, which is impossible to generate without the help of the government.

“We require Rs25 million for the team to participate in the event, which hasn’t been granted yet.”

Head coach Shahnaz Sheikh added, “If the government wants good results from the team, they should motivate them by providing them with basic facilities at least.”

Players uneasy as future uncertain

The players who have left their respective international leagues for their national team are disappointed on hearing such news.

“We haven’t heard anything like this in the history of the sport,” said goalkeeper Imran Butt, who left the Malaysian League to make himself available for international duty.

Seven players who left their leagues half-way through and came back to prepare for the Champions Trophy were of the opinion that they have to earn for their home and cannot forsake their source of income just for the sake of the national hockey team.

It is significant to mention here that the 16 players of the national are getting Rs800 daily, while the management is receiving Rs1,000 per day.

 

 

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