PHF to launch joint national hockey camp in Islamabad from May 6

ISLAMABAD: In a significant and strategic decision aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s preparation for the upcoming FIH Nations Cup, the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced the launch of a combined training camp for both senior and junior national hockey teams. The high-intensity camp will commence from May 6 at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Bunda Hockey Ground in Islamabad.

Initially, the PHF had planned to hold the senior team’s camp in Lahore and the junior team’s camp in Islamabad. However, the federation has now opted to consolidate both camps in the capital, marking a tactical shift in its preparatory strategy.

Speaking exclusively to this correspondent, PHF Secretary Rana Mujahid explained the rationale behind the change. “We intended to host the seniors’ camp at DHA facilities in Lahore, but due to ongoing renovation work—expected to take at least three more months—we had to revisit our plans. We have now finalized Islamabad as the centralized venue for both camps,” he said.

The primary objective of this combined setup is to facilitate a series of competitive matches between the senior and junior squads. “Financial limitations are currently preventing us from sending the team to Europe for practice matches. As an alternative, we aim to simulate high-quality competitive scenarios between our top-tier players to maintain match fitness and strategic sharpness,” Mujahid noted. “These inter-squad matches will serve as a vital preparatory tool ahead of the FIH Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from June 15 to 21.”

The camp will host around 50 players, with selections drawn from both the senior and junior national pools. “It’s going to be a demanding, month-long training tour. We’ll begin with a pool of approximately 50 players, and adjustments will be made as per the coaching panel’s evaluation,” said the PHF official.

The camp is projected to conclude by early June, with the national team likely to depart for Malaysia around June 8.