Hockey players train at the Gaddafi field hockey stadium in Lahore.
Reuters
Pakistan have faced both on-and off-field struggles in hockey in recent years. The national team has missed recent World Cups and Olympics, and the country currently have no representation in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) rules committee.
However, there is some positive news as a Pakistani firm, Swallow International, has been certified by the FIH as a field builder. This certification allows the company to install hockey turfs worldwide.
The Pakistan-based company, founded in 1999, has so far installed eight turfs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, six in Punjab, four in Sindh, and one in Balochistan.
The company's head, Usman Afridi, expressed great joy at earning the FIH certification.
“We are officially on the FIH certified list and are the fifth nation to join this list, following the United States, England, Ireland, and India,” Usman said at a press briefing in Lahore, held at the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) offices.
Usman Afridi (second from right) at the press conference in Lahore on Thursday.Nukta
“This certification is specifically for field builders. The other certifications are for turf and equipment manufacturers. Field builders handle complete venue preparation, and Pakistan have now joined this category. It’s a huge milestone and a moment of celebration,” he added.
Gateway to international market
He further said that this inclusion opens up international opportunities for Pakistan.
“For 26 years, we’ve been training our workers in turf installation. Now, we can take on global projects. Each year, 150 to 200 hockey turfs are installed worldwide, and we aim to capture a small part of that market,” he shared.
Hockey players train at the Gaddafi field hockey stadium in Lahore.Reuters
Usman acknowledged that other countries are far ahead, but they aim to advance with PHF's support.
“The jobs created through this are crucial. Before, we received training, but now our workers will provide training. For young Pakistanis interested in installing turfs for hockey, football, or athletics, our platform is available. They’ll receive international-level training and gain access to global opportunities,” he added.
Cheaper services
Usman further revealed that they are working on a highly competitive system.
“We’re developing a system that will offer services at a lower cost than even China’s. It will take about four months to finalize. Once registered, I’m confident we can capture 20 to 30 percent of the global market,” he said.
Usman also mentioned that dry turf installations will begin within two years.
“With global water shortages, such as in South Africa, dry turfs are the solution. We’re planning to install a dry turf at the Parachinar sports complex in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Currently, only two companies in the world manufacture dry turfs. I’m confident we will start installing dry turfs in two years,” he concluded.
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