Olympians urge PM to intervene in hockey affairs

KARACHI: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Haider Hussain and selection committee members Olympians Kaleemullah, Nasir Ali, Hanif Khan and Waseem Feroze have appealed to PM Shahbaz Sharif to take notice of the establishment of a parallel group in PHF.

Addressing a press conference, at Abdul Sattar Edhi hockey stadium on Wednesday, they said the other group was illegal according to the PHF constitution and a big loss is expected to Pakistan hockey.

They said that the PM is the patron in chief of PHF, and it is time for him to intervene in the affairs of the national game, as it could have serious consequences. International Hockey Federation (FIH) would take notice, they said.

Haider claimed that FIH would recognise the PHF led by Shahla Raza. FIH correspondence is taking place with the PHF led by Shahla, which has legal status and has been elected by the majority members of PHF congress.

He said that the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament is approaching closer and its preparation is going to be started and at this moment a parallel group is ruining the prestige of the national game. Hanif said that hockey is passing through the worst crisis, and in such a situation parents will not send their children to the ground to play hockey.