FIH vows to assist PHF to revive international hockey in Pakistan

Lahore: International Hockey Federation (FIH) Friday vowed to assist Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to revive international hockey in Pakistan while the Punjab government has assured provision of fool proof security to the foreign teams visiting the country.

These good wishes were exchanged during the meeting between FIH President Leandro Negre and Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here on Friday. Kelly Fairweather, CEO of FIH, Tayyab Ikram, CEO Asian Hockey Federation, Brig (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar President PHF and Secretary General Shahbaz Ahmed were also present during the meeting.

Leandro Negre informed the Chief Minister about FIH’s efforts for the revival of international hockey in Pakistan. He said that the FIH and Continental Hockey Federation would work together to design a plan to convince foreign teams to play in Pakistan or at a neutral venue. He said that Punjab being the biggest and important province of Pakistan should come forward to support hockey.

He told the Chief Minister that the PHF officials had informed him of the Punjab government’s financial support for hockey in the past and hoped that it would continue to uplift the development and promotion of Pakistan’s National Game.

Punjab Chief Minister said that his government would provide every possible support for the progress of hockey and would play its bigger role efficiently. He assured the FIH delegation that foreign teams visiting Pakistan would be provided fool proof security and the government would take care of their comfort and peace of mind.

President PHF Khalid Sajjad Khokhar informed the Chief Minister that the Federation has chalked out a comprehensive plan with the help of AHF and PHF for the rejuvenation of hockey in Pakistan. He said that the Junior hockey team’s satisfactory qualified for the Junior World Cup reflected PHF’s good and effective planning despite scarcity of funds. The FIH delegation also met with Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, at the Governor’s House.