Resolving the problem: Government to assist cash-strapped PHF, says Rasool
Hockey federation turns down assistance offer from Hockey India
India hockey’s governing body had offered financial support to Pakistan after the national hockey camp was closed due to insufficient funds and Rasool said that the PHF has convinced the Pakistan government to support the national sport. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Akhtar Rasool is hopeful for the government to support the team’s preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics qualifiers, and has stated that they will not take any help from Hockey India.
India hockey’s governing body had offered financial support to Pakistan after the national hockey camp was closed due to insufficient funds and Rasool said that the PHF has convinced the Pakistan government to support the national sport.
“The government has always supported us in the past and we are hoping for them to do the same this time as well,” Rasool told The Express Tribune. “I’ve spoken with the authorities and we’ll get the matter sorted in a few days. In fact, I would like to thank the government for understanding our issues.”
The hockey camp is likely to resume on April 10 and Rasool reiterated that the PHF will not need any assistance from another country.
“For now I can only thank Hockey India for their offer,” commented Rasool. “But it is our internal problem and we will solve it internally. Pakistan has always fought through difficult times and this situation would be no different. We really don’t need help from outside and can handle our own issues amicably.”
Pakistan will be playing the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s World League semi-finals in Belgium from June 20. The tournament will also act as the qualification round for the 2016 Summer Olympics, with the top six teams booking their spot in Rio.
The Greenshirts will be competing against Australia, India, Poland and France in Group A.
Government taking notice of pitches
Rasool said that the Punjab Government is also taking notice of the pitch conditions in Rawalpindi where the camp was taking place after coach Shahnaz Shaikh had complained about the bad Astroturf that was leading to various injuries to the players.
“Shahnaz’s request has also been forwarded to the Punjab government and I’ve spoken to them about getting a better pitch at the stadium,” said Rasool. “The PHF is corresponding with the relevant authorities and we are hoping to resume our preparations soon.”
Rasool said that the message to the players will be to concentrate on their game and focus on winning as it is important for Pakistan to succeed at the qualifiers and make their mark in the Olympics. “The Olympics are important for us and I want us to qualify,” said Rasool. “My message is for the players to stay motivated and concentrate on their game. They need to work hard, improve their fitness level and stay away from other irrelevant activities.”
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Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Akhtar Rasool is hopeful for the government to support the team’s preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics qualifiers, and has stated that they will not take any help from Hockey India.
India hockey’s governing body had offered financial support to Pakistan after the national hockey camp was closed due to insufficient funds and Rasool said that the PHF has convinced the Pakistan government to support the national sport.
“The government has always supported us in the past and we are hoping for them to do the same this time as well,” Rasool told The Express Tribune. “I’ve spoken with the authorities and we’ll get the matter sorted in a few days. In fact, I would like to thank the government for understanding our issues.”
The hockey camp is likely to resume on April 10 and Rasool reiterated that the PHF will not need any assistance from another country.
“For now I can only thank Hockey India for their offer,” commented Rasool. “But it is our internal problem and we will solve it internally. Pakistan has always fought through difficult times and this situation would be no different. We really don’t need help from outside and can handle our own issues amicably.”
Pakistan will be playing the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s World League semi-finals in Belgium from June 20. The tournament will also act as the qualification round for the 2016 Summer Olympics, with the top six teams booking their spot in Rio.
The Greenshirts will be competing against Australia, India, Poland and France in Group A.
Government taking notice of pitches
Rasool said that the Punjab Government is also taking notice of the pitch conditions in Rawalpindi where the camp was taking place after coach Shahnaz Shaikh had complained about the bad Astroturf that was leading to various injuries to the players.
“Shahnaz’s request has also been forwarded to the Punjab government and I’ve spoken to them about getting a better pitch at the stadium,” said Rasool. “The PHF is corresponding with the relevant authorities and we are hoping to resume our preparations soon.”
Rasool said that the message to the players will be to concentrate on their game and focus on winning as it is important for Pakistan to succeed at the qualifiers and make their mark in the Olympics. “The Olympics are important for us and I want us to qualify,” said Rasool. “My message is for the players to stay motivated and concentrate on their game. They need to work hard, improve their fitness level and stay away from other irrelevant activities.”
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.