Dismal performance: PM seeks explanation from hockey officials

Seeks suggestions for the uplift of country's national sport

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed concern over Pakistan hockey team’s embarrassing performance at the FIH Hockey World League and its failure to qualify for the Summer Olympics for the first time in its history.

Pakistan lost 1-0 to Ireland in the FIH Hockey World League semi-finals on Friday – a defeat that shattered its hopes to take part in the mega event to be held next year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The prime minister, who is also Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) patron-in-chief, asked the PHF officials as well as Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) to explain as to how a three-time gold medalist team plunged so low in performance, said an official statement.

Premier Nawaz also asked the hockey authorities to firm up recommendations for the uplift of country's national sport, with an aim to regain its past glory. Earlier on Saturday, the national hockey team’s chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui and other members of the selection committee resigned from their posts following the team’s dismal performance in the HWL.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2015.