PHF once again ask FIH to extend deadline before confirming participation in Pro League

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has once again requested the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to grant it additional time to confirm its participation in the FIH Pro League, citing unresolved financial matters.

“I am hopeful because we are moving in the right direction. There are positive signs and I truly believe that the Pakistan hockey team will become part of the Pro League. We have made every effort towards this goal,” PHF Secretary General Rana Mujahid told reporters.

“There has been a slight delay as we are unable to respond to the FIH until the necessary documents are in order. I am grateful to the FIH for their understanding we have just written to them requesting a little more time, and hopefully, Pakistan will be included in the Pro League,” Rana said.

The final deadline to confirm participation was August 20.

“We are thankful to the FIH, the Pakistan Sports Board, the IPC Ministry, and the Finance Ministry for their full cooperation with the PHF,” said Rana, a former Olympian.

To address funding concerns the PHF has also proposed that the government directly fund the players and team expenses while the federation will manage the remaining costs for its officials and media whatever would be.

“We have offered on behalf of the PHF that if the federation is not given direct funding the government can instead cover expenses for the players, their accommodation, meals, daily allowances and travel. We have no objection to that,” Rana said.

“I have also suggested that the government does not need to cover costs for the PHF president, secretary, or officials, including media personnel. The PHF will handle those expenses by generating its own revenue,” Rana said.

“We do not want to be a burden on the state. This is the proposal we have made. However, we have received no official response yet. Once the funds are released, the modalities will be finalized accordingly. We are open to any arrangement that helps us move Pakistan hockey forward. Our only agenda is the national team,” he added.

“Pakistan deserves respect. Its flag must be represented. Our job is to ensure the team moves forward and brings pride to the country,” Rana said.

Meanwhile, FIH told this correspondent that its discussions with the PHF continues.

"Our discussions with the Pakistan Hockey Federation continue. We will provide an update in a couple of days," FIH told Nukta.

Pakistan was invited to join the FIH Pro League after New Zealand, winners of the FIH Nations Cup, withdrew. The initial deadline to confirm Pakistan's entry was August 12 but the PHF requested an extension due to financial difficulties. The FIH granted an extension until August 20, which has now passed, prompting PHF to seek further time.

If Pakistan fails to confirm its participation, the opportunity will pass to France who finished third in the Nations Cup.

Rana also expressed gratitude to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for pledging financial support to the hockey team.

“I am deeply thankful to Mohsin Naqvi for his generous gesture towards Pakistan hockey. On behalf of the PHF and the national team we are grateful. This spirit will help elevate Pakistan hockey once again,” Rana concluded.