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Pak presence in FIH League in limbo
Pakistan hockey team's participation in the high-profile FIH Pro League hangs in the balance due to uncertainty of funding. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan's participation in the upcoming FIH Pro Hockey League hangs in the balance as the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has yet to provide a clear commitment on funding to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). A crucial meeting between PSB Director General Yasir Pirzada and PHF Secretary General Olympian Rana Mujahid ended without a breakthrough.
Speaking to the media, Rana Mujahid said that the costs of participating in the Pro League are significantly high and appealed to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir for urgent assistance. He noted that while India receives an annual grant of 3 billion rupees for hockey, Pakistan's funding situation remains dismal.
"The expenses of the Pro League are enormous. We hope the Prime Minister will come to our aid. We have also appealed to Field Marshal Asim Munir," Mujahid stated.
He added that Pakistan's performance in the FIH Nations Hockey Cup was satisfactory, and that the federation is committed to following government and PSB guidelines. He also confirmed that senior team head coach Tahir Zaman will soon present his training and competition plan.
Mujahid warned that if Pakistan commits to the Pro League but fails to participate, it could face sanctions from the International Hockey Federation (FIH). "We have reached out to the FIH President and requested more time to resolve the situation," he said.
Meanwhile, DG PSB Yasir Pirzada said that approximately USD 2.5 million is needed for Pakistan's participation in the Pro League. "We have asked PHF to submit a working paper. The financial requirement is substantialthis is not cricket, where funds flow easily. We will present the matter to the government and the Prime Minister," Pirzada explained.
He also mentioned that the usage charges of Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium were increased to meet maintenance costs but promised to review club-level fees. "Hockey is our national sport and should be given priority," he affirmed.
The fate of Pakistan's appearance in the prestigious international league now rests on swift government intervention and timely financial support.
Yasir Pirzada unveils roadmap for sports development
Director General of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Yasir Pirzada, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap focused on infrastructure development, athlete training, and long-term sports promotionunderscoring Pakistan's determination to reclaim its sporting stature on the regional stage.
With Pakistan set to host the South Asian Games in January 2026, the PSB has entered a decisive phase in its efforts to uplift sports nationwide.
Speaking to a delegation of the Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA), led by President Abubakar Bin Tallat, DG Yasir Pirzada provided a detailed overview of preparations for the upcoming regional event.
"Hosting the South Asian Games is a matter of national pride, and we are taking all possible measures to meet international standards in infrastructure, training, and athlete welfare," Pirzada stated.
He highlighted the ongoing renovation and development work at the Pakistan Sports Complex, where significant upgrades are underway to transform the facility into a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting international events.
Pirzada emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, and Federal Secretary IPC Mohyuddin Wani, the government is strongly committed to reviving and promoting sports across the country.
He added that special attention is being given to national training camps, which now include advanced coaching, nutritional planning, and psychological support to help athletes compete at the highest level.
Beyond the Games, DG PSB also outlined broader sports development initiatives, including grassroots talent identification programs, school and college competitions, and public-private partnerships aimed at strengthening the foundation of sports in Pakistan.
The session concluded with an open exchange of suggestions from journalists, reinforcing the PSB's commitment to media collaboration and the long-term growth of sports in the country.
The RISJA delegation included Abdul Mohi Shah, Shakeel Awan, Zulfiqar Baig, Nasir Naqvi, Shakir Abbasi, Afzal Javed, Shahryar Khan, Arfa Feroze Zaki, Awais Abbasi, and Kiran Khan.
