Govt releases Rs59 million for Nations Cup training

ISLAMABAD: Under the special instructions of Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, the government has released Rs59 million for the hockey team to train in Holland ahead of the Nations Cup and at the same time directed all the departments to establish teams that were disbanded a few years back.

The PM hosted a reception in the honour of hockey players who recently made it to the Azlan Shah Cup final by playing exceptional hockey. The Greenshirts even outplayed Japan during the scheduled time in the final before losing on shootouts.

The prime minister also announced Rs1 million for each member of the team, topping up on Rs1.6m for each player announced by the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Shehbaz Sharif directed Advisor to PM on Youth Programme Rana Mashhood to ensure the establishment of hockey teams in all those departments that previously participated in hockey events at the national level.

“You have one week to ensure that all such units have reestablished teams and have hired the players who previously were representing them at the national level,” the PM while directing Rana Mashhood said.

The PM also hailed the team’s performance in the Azlan Shah Cup, saying that the nation is proud of the team for putting up the best efforts. Under instructions of the PM, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Thursday released Rs59 million for the establishment of an eight-day training camp in Holland and for the team’s participation in the Nations Cup, which will help Pakistan to return to the top cadre of hockey (FIH Pro League). Roelant Oltmans during a talk with ‘The News’ ahead of the team’s departure for Malaysia for Azlan Shah Cup expressed a desire to establish a training camp in Holland and to play one-off Test against Holland before heading to Poland for the Nations Cup. He also shared the idea with Secretary PHF Rana Mujahid who put up the matter for high-ups to decide.

“We are obliged to the PM for directing the concerned authorities to release Rs59 million for the purpose. The PHF has just received the amount for the team’s training and participation in Europe,” secretary PHF said.

Meanwhile, a short four-day training camp for the preparations for the Nations Cup commenced at the Bunda Ground in Islamabad. Apart from 18 players who were part of the contingent for Azlan Shah Cup another six (standbys) were also invited to participate in camp.