Tahir Zaman’s appointment as head coach confirmed

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has appointed former Olympian Tahir Zaman as head coach of the national team.

Address a press conference, PHF Secretary General Rana Mujahid Ali announced significant updates regarding the national hockey team. He said that Olympian Tahir Zaman will join the national squad in China in a day or so.

This appointment comes at a crucial time for Pakistan hockey, as the team prepares for the Asian Champions Trophy. Rana Mujahid expressed gratitude to Tahir Zaman for stepping into the role during these challenging times and noted that discussions for a long-term contract with him will take place following the tournament.

He further stated that the PHF had been in negotiations with Dutch coach Roland Oltmans, but an agreement could not be reached. Despite this, PHF remains committed to hiring a foreign coach to bolster the national team’s capabilities in the future.

PHF President Tariq Bugti is set to meet with former hockey Olympians to gather suggestions on how to revive the national sport. Rana Mujahid emphasised the importance of engaging Pakistan’s hockey legends in these discussions, stating that their insights will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport.

The Secretary General also announced that the National Junior Hockey Championship will be held at the end of this month, with the support of the Rawalpindi Commissioner. This championship will be a key event in nurturing young talent.

Rana Mujahid dismissed reports regarding funding issues involving the PHF President and Secretary as false. He warned that legal action would be taken against those responsible for spreading fabricated documents.