PHF eager to host international events, India-Pakistan bilateral matches

The Pakistan Hockey Federation’s (PHF) secretary and former Olympian Rana Mujahid has revealed that Pakistan has shown its desire to host any kind of international event in the recently held FIH Congress in Muscat.

The last time Pakistan hosted an international event was the Champions Trophy in 2004 in Lahore.

“We expressed our desire that PHF with the support of the state and armed forces is ready to host any kind of event in Pakistan,” Rana told a news conference here at the PHF headquarters housed at the National Hockey Stadium.

“We talked to other nations and they are ready to come and play in Pakistan and Pakistan is ready to play there. Hopefully this thing will start after February 2025 and you will see teams playing here,” Rana said.

“Our discussion with foreign nations was very fruitful and they appreciated Pakistan’s stance. They want to play in Pakistan,” he was quick to add.

Asked by Nukta whether major teams also want to tour Pakistan Rana said: “European teams like Germany, Holland and Belgium also want to come to Pakistan and this will happen InshaAllah as environment is set to prevail,” said Rana.

“We even conducted World Cup and we are ready for hosting any event. National Hockey Stadium is historical stadium and foreign countries want to see this as their memories are associated with this iconic venue,” Rana said.

“I think its blessing for us that we have such facilities,” he was quick to add.

Selection committee

The PHF also constituted a new selection committee comprising Danish Kaleem, Kashif Jawwad and M Khalid, all Olympians.

They will be assisted by the team head coach and manager. The PHF president will eventually approve the squad.

The newly-constituted selection committee will pick both senior and junior teams.

Rana said that trials to pick team for the Junior Asia Cup, which will begin in Oman later this month, will be conducted on Friday and Saturday.

Rana also congratulated FIH’s re-elected chief Tayyab Ikram.

“Tayyab loves Pakistani people, the country and hockey and we love him and congratulate him,” he said.

Rana also congratulated player Sufyan Khan for earning the FIH Rising Star award, which was the first in Pakistan’s history.

India-Pakistan sporting ties

Rana said that Indian cricket team should come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, adding that effort would be made to ensure both India and Pakistan hockey teams visit each other countries and play.

“Indian cricket team must come to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistani fans want India to play in Pakistan. This decision is the prerogative of the government and our state has always made good decisions and it wants India to play in Pakistan,” Rana said.

“I am also hopeful that Pakistan hockey team will play against India and India will also come to Pakistan. But it is the decision of the state eventually and we will be bound to implement that. Sports will strengthen the relations between the two nations,” he said.

“As far as Pakistan’s hockey development squad is concerned which is scheduled to tour China so we have made our every preparation. We broke the camp for few days due to fog as players were getting sick. But till date we have not got passports back. If the things get late then we will regret. China is our friend and we want good relationship with them and every effort will be made to send the team,” he said.

India-Pakistan hockey match in progress at the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.AHF

Players’ daily allowances

Responding to a question about players dailies which are still due Rana said that when PHF will get money then it will be its priority to give it to the players, adding federation is working hard to at least ensure Pakistan’s participation in international events.

“We are in deep trouble as we have to send our junior team to Oman for the Junior Asia Cup. Our minister Rana Sanaullah has pledged support and he will assist the PHF inshaAllah,” he said.

About the PHF governance Rana said that they have offered parties to spend money directly on hockey without giving it to the PHF.

“Spend money on our programs and I will reiterate that don’t spend money on the PHF president and secretary,” Rana signed off.