Hockey World League fiasco: Probe committee holds PHF responsible

Body suggests establishing long-term welfare programme for players.

KARACHI: The probe committee formed by Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif in the aftermath of the national hockey team’s disastrous campaign at the Hockey World League has declared the Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) management incompetent and held them responsible for the downfall of the team in its final report.

According to details in the report, the committee also suggested giving hockey affairs into the hands of people who command expertise in modern hockey.

The five-member committee further stated that the current federation failed to incorporate the basic requirements of modern hockey and has failed to achieve its targets.

According to a committee member, two out of five individuals involved in the probe were in favour of appointing an ad-hoc committee to run the affairs, but the other three members did not want to take any undemocratic action as they believe it will bring further ruin to the sport. The panel advised establishing a long-term plan for the welfare of the players by reviving the clubs and departments and organising leagues, which will support the players financially. They also recommended appointing qualified coaches at the junior level to make a bright future of hockey in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the three-member fact-finding committee formed by the PHF comprising Olympians Shahid Ali Khan, Muhammad Akhlaq and Mansoor Ahmed will start working from Tuesday at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore and said that they will provide their final, detailed report after two weeks.

“Two committees are better than one, as more facts will come forward,” said Akhlaq while talking to The Express Tribune. “We will present an unbiased report to the PHF, who will forward it to the Pakistan Sports Board and the PM.”

On the other hand, Shahid said that they will also consider the report submitted to the other committee led by former head coach Shahnaz Sheikh. “We will also discuss reasons for the defeat with PHF President Akhtar Rasool and secretary Rana Mujahid, as they were present in Belgium,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2015.

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