Pakistan seeking revival of International Hockey by end of 2011
International Hockey is likely to comeback in Pakistan by this year which was suspended owing to law and order situation in the country. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the governing body of the sport, anticipated optimism regarding return of the national
sport.
Asif Bajwa, the Secretary of the PHF, while talking to the media said that international hockey matches would be hosted by the end of this year in a bid to revive the past glory of the game. In a quite confident state, the PHF Secretary anticipated that
they would succeed to restart the sport activities in the country in the current year.
No International Hockey event has been organised in the country since terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team.
The PHF is in contact with Hockey India, the governing body of the sport in India, to host a bilateral series jointly in the two countries. The two neighbours agreed to reinstate the bilateral series that were suspended after the Mumbai attacks. In a bid
to ease the tensions between the two countries, Pakistani Prime Minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani paid a visit to India to witness the ICC World Cup semi-final between the two neighbouring countries. The visit became very fruitful, as the two sides are mulling
to host different bilateral events.
Apart from India, other international federations are also in contact with PHF to assist organising international fixtures. Asif Bajwa also stated, “Our efforts will definitely bear productive results as World Hockey is also supporting us.”
He further said that such assistance from international federations and bodies would help them to host the international events in the country. The moral support would surely boost the plans of the federations to achieve their aims, he added.
However, the main issue in this regard would be tight schedule of the teams. Mostly hockey teams have finalised their international fixtures for 2011. However, he said that they would try to get few matches in Pakistan.
Commenting on the bilateral series with India, the Secretary was of the view that the government and the federation were putting their efforts to organise a series against India, however the security issues would be main impediment in this regard. He maintained,
“Our first priority is to play in Pakistan but we could consider neutral venues if security becomes a problem.”
Pakistan will face Indian hockey team on two different occasions including the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, but lost two games. However, the Greenshirts captured the 16th Asian Games gold medal last year in China. It was an achievement
that lit the hope in revival of the national sport in the country.
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