PHF to organise final, semis under floodlights

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has decided to organise the semi-finals and the final of the National Junior Championship under floodlights at National Stadium in Lahore, ‘The News’ learnt on Wednesday.

According to sources, the PHF has finalised arrangements to hold these matches under floodlights.

In the first semi-final, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) will face KP (w), while Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) will lock horns with Army in the second semi-final.

Meanwhile, tournament director Col (retd) Sikandar Ghumman praised the PHF for making efforts to lift the standard of sport in the country.

“Organising a workshop to enhance proficiency of its technical officials is a unique step by PHF president Brig (retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and Secretary General Shahbaz Ahmed,” he said.

Ghumman, who is conducting the workshop, said that these officials are a precious asset of the PHF and such efforts show the federation’s seriousness towards grooming them.

During the four-day workshop, technical officials including assistant tournament directors, judges, umpires, managers and assistant umpires will be trained in  smooth conduct of a match.

“Special attention is being given to the development of women’s hockey and their technical officials in order to enable them to conduct their matches without needing male officials,” Ghumman added.