PHF eyes revival of India-Pakistan hockey test series

Officials of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) are eager to see Pakistan and India face off in a long-awaited hockey test series.

PHF Secretary and former Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali shared insights into the Federation’s plans during an interview with Nukta at the Abdul Sattar Edhi International Hockey Stadium in Karachi.

Rana plans to discuss the test series idea with Indian hockey representatives during the FIH Centennial and 49th FIH Statutory Congress, set to take place in Muscat from November 7-9.

"We will meet the Indian delegation during the Congress session and hold official discussions," Rana said. "We are committed to making a test series possible, with Pakistan hosting India and vice versa."

PHF Secretary and former Olympian Rana Mujahid Ali speaking at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore in 2023.Pakistan Hockey Federation

The last time these two hockey giants clashed in a test series was in 2006, held in Pakistan, where the hosts claimed a 3-1 victory across four matches.

Currently ranked 16th globally, the Pakistan hockey team secured third place in the 2024 Asia Champions Trophy this September and finished as runners-up in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year.

Rana believes Pakistan hockey is moving in the right direction and attributes it to the support of the Pakistani government and key leaders.

“Our Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been instrumental in providing financial assistance. We also have strong backing from Army Chief General Asim Munir and Corps Commander Karachi, Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar, who are actively supporting hockey’s growth,” Rana added.

Hockey events in Karachi

Rana confirmed that hockey fans in Karachi can look forward to hockey events as part of an effort to revitalize the sport in the city.

He also confirmed that Abdul Sattar Edhi Stadium will undergo upgrades, thanks to PHF collaboration with other organizations and hopeful support from the Sindh government.

“I trust that Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah will continue to extend his support, as he has in the past,” Rana noted.

He also mentioned that the Sindh government has pledged to reinstate its annual fund of 100 million rupees to support local hockey development.

Regarding upcoming domestic hockey activities, Rana shared that Karachi will host the national junior team’s training camp as preparation for the Junior World Cup.

Following this, the city will stage the national senior hockey championship, which will feature both departmental and provincial teams from across the country.

International matches in Pakistan?

Rana also expressed optimism that international teams would visit Pakistan for matches next year, indicating ongoing discussions with various hockey federations abroad.

"I assure you, you will witness international matches happening in Pakistan next year," he said confidently.

Rana highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently directed the restoration of departmental teams, a move essential for hockey’s growth and sustainability in Pakistan.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been clear about restoring departmental teams, and the follow-up is being taken seriously. Inter-Provincial Communication Minister Rana Sanaullah is overseeing this initiative to ensure its swift implementation, and I am hopeful that department-based teams will soon return to the field,” Rana explained.

Support from former players

In an effort to unify the sport, Ali emphasized PHF’s commitment to engaging former hockey players in Karachi.

"We want all past players to join hands with us in elevating Pakistan hockey," he shared.

Olympian Nasir AliNukta

While the PHF wants former players to contribute, they have also banned five individuals, including former PHF Secretary Haider Hussain and former captain Olympian Nasir Ali.

These individuals, as per Rana, were attempting to establish a parallel federation, undermining PHF’s authority. The banned group also includes Khalid Bashir, Saleem Nazim, and Ali Abbas, whom the PHF accuses of actions harmful to the sport.