Pakistan hockey's downward spiral: Internal conflicts and financial constraints hinder progress

Pakistan hockey is at a crossroads, beset by internal divisions within the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and severe financial constraints. There is no clear path forward since the ongoing rift and monetary issues have created an uncertain environment.

And an ongoing power struggle is only adding to the woes.

Two individuals including Haider Hussain and Rana Mujahid, both former Pakistan players, claim themselves to be the secretaries of the federation. Their feud had an ugly turn on Wednesday when, according to sources, a Lahore’s local court sent bailiff to arrest and present Rana Mujahid in the court for his repeated absence from the court hearings. However, according to sources, the gate of the PHF headquarters in Lahore was not opened for the bailiff.

Just hours later, PHF president Mir Tariq Hussain Bugti held a news conference at the federation's headquarters and when he was asked about the bailiff he said that he had just come in and did not know about any such development.

Nukta has learnt that in the case of the alleged fake resignation of Haider Hussain, the court summoned Rana Mujahid several times but he did not appear before it which led to orders of his arrest.

Meanwhile, Bugti held the press conference just to recall Pakistan's performances in international circuit this year.

“We had promised that we will produce good results in 2024 and thanks God that we did well,” Bugti said.

“We lifted trophy in the five-as-side Oman event, played final of the Azlan Shah Cup, then went to Nations Cup before we went to China for the Asian Champions Trophy and got bronze.

“Yes, things are not perfect and like the rest of the world we will need to feature in more international events.”

He claimed that the country’s hockey is on the path of progress.

“We are now on the path of progress and after five years we brought bronze from China. In the last year’s Asian Games, we lost to India by ten goals and this time we lost to them 2-1 and our team did well. Now after 2019 we have started a talent hunt and you see the National Junior Championship these days,” Bugti said.

Financial concerns

When this correspondent asked Bugti about what the PHF is doing to strengthen its administrative structure he replied that they will establish a strong marketing and media wings, adding it all depends on money.

"When money comes more things will be done," he said.

The PHF lacks clarity on different things. It has been seen chasing only state funding which is not the solution to the problems.

There is a dire need of settling the PHF internal conflict first and then it can go for setting up a solid administrative structure. However, it can be done only when all the stakeholders are on the same page.

If there is a rift and division then hockey will continue to suffer.

Pakistan hockey players react during a FIH Nations Cup 2024 match in Poland.PHF

Due to high inflation rate only state funding is not the remedy and a strong financial push is required which can also be made possible if PHF starts approaching sponsors.

But sponsors don't leap into an insecure environment and companies never work on a short-term basis. If there is no stability in the PHF, or if there is any question mark on its legality then it should not imagine that it will attract sponsors especially some big international brands.

If a federation seeks the assistance of the state for the treatment of its player so how it can nurture and revive a sport important enough and the one which has a glorious past.

The PHF has done one thing good that it has started issuing NOCs to players for foreign leagues.

“I have allowed players to go to foreign leagues by obtaining NOCs and when we will need them they will come to represent the country. We are also going towards hockey league. Poland is ready to come to Pakistan and we are going to send our team to China to play there from November 11 to 22,” Bugti said.

“We cannot afford to hire foreign coach for long term. We had requested PSB that we want foreign coach but I think it cannot support. I think Tahir Zaman has done enough courses. We wanted Oltmans to serve us for Asian Champions Trophy but he did not want to come for a single assignment,” Bugti said.

It would be more appropriate for the PHF to help its players sign contracts with European clubs. They will settle and play there and their services will also be taken for Pakistan team. This will be the only solution if PHF is to tackle the crisis. In football, Pakistan has been using the services of a sufficient pool of players who are settled abroad and they play for the country. Around a dozen of foreign-based players were seen representing Pakistan in this year's 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.