PHF in race against time to get visas for U21 squad

KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is trying hard to get visas in time for the national U21 side’s tour of Germany and Netherlands, where they are due to participate in a four-nation tournament and to later play two matches against Netherlands, ‘The News’ has learnt on Saturday.

Due to lethargy of the concerned PHF officials and late receiving of the tournament schedule, the federation is now in a race against time to get the visa process done and save the European tour.

According to sources, the PHF is now trying to get separate visas of Germany and Netherlands for the players.

“There is still hope. Instead of getting Schengen visas for the players which takes some time, separate visas for Germany and Netherlands would be taken,” he said.

He added that the situation would be clear by Monday (tomorrow), once the routine life restores after Eid holidays.

The PHF is also in contact with the German Hockey Federation and foreign office to get German visas for the four-nation tournament, which starts July 24.

The tour is part of junior team’s training program for the Junior Hockey World Cup, which will be played in India later this year.